Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) launched the "Employer Assisted Accommodation Programme" in June 2023, a thoughtful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative aimed at providing safe housing to their transgender, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming employees.

The policy aims to offer inclusive accommodation to eligible employees facing housing challenges due to discrimination related to their gender identity or expression.

Eligibility extends to full-time employees, contractual employees, and interns who identify as transgender, genderqueer, or gender non-conforming, who may encounter difficulties in securing suitable housing. Employees eligible for accommodation under this policy can apply by submitting a request to their HR Business Partner once they join. Accommodation availability varies, and eligibility is determined by the HR team at GPL.

Rent and interest-free deposit for accommodation are determined based on location and deducted from the employee's monthly salary. Accommodation allocation entails single occupancy, with maintenance charges shared among occupants. Damages to the property are collectively addressed by occupants, with costs deducted from salaries.

As of this writing, the team at GPL are making eight guesthouses available for trans accommodation, and six trans people are currently settled into their happy homes.

Hayat is a relationship manager at GPL who works in Pune, Maharashtra. She is from Chhattisgarh and moved to Pune for the job. "I was really struggling to find a place to rent because I am a transgender woman," she said. "I requested the HR and Admin teams of Pune region to help me with this issue. It's been three to four months since I have been living at the company accommodation. I am very happy about the fact that everyone, for instance, all the housekeeping staff, is very supportive. It been a really good experience for me so far."

The Employer Assisted Accommodation Programme reflects GPL's commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive work environment. By ensuring equitable access to housing, the programme helps transgender, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming employees to focus on their professional growth and contribute to GPL's success.

Text by Prithvi Vatsalya. Image provided by Hayat.