"Being a person with a disability (PWD) from 2019, it was difficult to even look for a work opportunity. On top of that, as I was just coming to terms with my disability, it was hard to accept myself and I didn't know what to do next," Johann Mendez said. "My hopes were diminishing. Finally, on Atypical Advantage,”-a platform that connects people with disabilities to opportunities for economic livelihood - "I found the opportunity I was looking for and decided to restart my career. This was when I strongly worked on myself and gave it my best shot. I decided to be a part of Godrej Capital even if it meant relocating. The position and values of the company further convinced me. I found my ray of hope, and this is how my second innings started.”

Johann, an assistant manager who looks after customer centricity, has been working at Godrej Capital for close to a year now. GC firmly believes that understanding the unique needs of each employee is paramount to their success within the company. Through their pre-joining connect initiative, the company provides personalized support to PWD hires, facilitating access to assistive technology and seamless completion of joining formalities.

These beliefs and practices were part of what convinced Johann to work with GC. During the onboarding process, Johann was asked about any specific requirements he might need to help him carry out his daily tasks at work seamlessly. Accordingly, he works on a laptop with a large screen with specially installed screen-reading software. "With tremendous support from my team and the management, I can carry out my work smoothly. There is sufficient infrastructure which helps me day in, day out. And especially with the work culture here, my experience has just been getting better day-by-day. I have been learning a lot too,” he elaborated.

Such support, guided by an allocated buddy and backed by a DEI Lead dedicated to the project, has helped enable a smooth transition into GC's company culture. In December 2023, they further established a PWD-focused employee resource group (ERG), ENAble, to serve as a platform for meaningful engagement and collaboration.

Recognising that diversity extends beyond physical accessibility, GC has been striving to prioritise the customisation of induction and immersion programs for PWD hires. Through comprehensive need analyses, they've tailored learning journeys to provide support and resources tailored to individual professional growth and integration.

The first 90 days of employment are pivotal for any employee. We all need consistent support and engagement as we find our feet at work. For employees with disabilities, Godrej Capital's team has been prioritizing regular in-person connections with our DEI partners to address any challenges or concerns faced by PWD employees promptly, to foster a supportive environment conducive to success.

Their commitment to fostering an inclusive culture extends beyond the initial onboarding phase. Through immersive initiatives such as disability sensitization sessions, team-building activities, and career workshops, they cultivate an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered.

Godrej Capital's engagement strategies evolve in tandem with the needs of their workforce. Initiatives such as the ENAbLE ERG (employee resource group), Leadership Connect, programme sponsorship, mentorship programs, and NGO partnerships are designed to create avenues for growth and community engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and fulfilment.

Other specialised support and benefits, include additional travel, accommodation, and relocation benefits for employees with disabilities, to cover unique challenges colleagues might face in these areas.

In essence, the PWD 360 - Assimilation Program commits to fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is the norm, and every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute their best.

Text by Prithvi Vatsalya. Image provided by the GC team.