In a transformative shift for India's corporate landscape, the number of women ascending to mid-management and senior positions has witnessed a remarkable surge. According to a report from HerKey (formerly JobsForHer), a prominent search portal and career engagement platform for women, the proportion of women occupying senior and leadership roles nearly tripled from 13% in 2021 to an impressive 37% in 2022, aligning with entry-level representation.
This seismic change is a testament to the evolving attitudes and policies within Indian organizations. The survey, encompassing over 300 companies ranging from large enterprises to startups and SMEs across diverse sectors, uncovered several noteworthy trends.
One key revelation is the growing emphasis on gender equality and diversity within the workplace. An encouraging 63% of organizations have initiated women-specific employment campaigns, underscoring their commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce.
The evolution in women's career trajectories is particularly evident at the mid-management to senior levels. In 2021, women comprised 19% of recruits in these positions, a figure that surged to 26% in 2022. This shift signifies a fundamental transformation in the corporate landscape, with women now ascending to leadership roles from within the organization itself.
Crucially, companies are not merely paying lip service to gender diversity; they are implementing tangible measures to promote inclusivity. A significant 70% of organizations have set hiring gender diversity goals, marking a 13% increase from the previous year. Encouragingly, 91% of major corporations and 90% of startups and SMEs met their gender diversity hiring objectives in the past year.
Moreover, 63% of organizations are actively prioritizing gender equality and diversity through dedicated women-specific hiring campaigns. This signals a broader shift in corporate culture, recognizing that diverse perspectives and experiences foster an environment where every individual can thrive and contribute their unique talents.
One remarkable initiative contributing to this transformation is the 'Returnee Program.' A substantial 57% of large organizations and 43% of startups and SMEs have introduced these programs to support women who have taken career breaks to re-enter the corporate world. Notably, 33% of these programs were initiated between 2018 and 2021, while 38% were launched after 2021, indicating a growing commitment to supporting women's career comebacks.
The impact of these returnee programs has been significant, with companies reporting increased applications from women returnees, successful hires, heightened recruiter sensitivity, greater leadership satisfaction, and enhanced employee morale.
Furthermore, many organizations are leveraging job sites, with 51% of them using these platforms to recruit and promote their positions. This strategy helps connect employers with potential candidates, attracting highly qualified individuals to their workforce. Additionally, 20% of organizations are investing in reskilling programs, focusing on both hard and soft skills, to empower women with the competencies needed for career growth.
This transformation not only benefits individual women but also contributes to stronger, more vibrant businesses and a more equitable society.