The whole country is
horrified by the recent violent attack of a 23 year- young women and her
companion on December 16, 2012. Many
voluntary organizations across India and around the world have commenced to
fight against gender- based violence and for women rights in India. This
article would focus on how companies in India are and can ensure safety of
their women employees.
IT/ITES industry in
India has witnessed a high inflow of female talents. The role of HR manager has
become more challenging now and it is our responsibility to ensure that the
work environment and culture are friendly and safe for female talent pool. Women
workers should be given equal opportunity, honor and adequate protection to
their dignity.
Ensuring women safety
Life of the women
working late night shifts in BPO sector in metro cities is like walking on
razors edge. So as HR managers, our role is to make women feel secure and
should render them the mindset to concentrate on work. Corporate can conduct
self-defense training program and workshops for the women and teach them how to
be safe in various places. Encourage women to carry chilly-powder or pepper
spray with them to injure the attacker.
Most of the IT and BPO
companies provide cab facilities to women, but there should be a proper check
on the cab driver. Driver should be trustworthy and he should not consume
alcohol or any other drugs. While a women
travel alone in cab, she should be assisted with a security guard till she
reaches her destination. Cabs can be fixed with GPS systems so that if the
driver takes a detour from the normal route it informs the company and the
service provider. If the reason for detour is not satisfactory, immediate
action should be taken on the cab driver or else the service provider should be
suspended. IBM do not encourage first boarding and last drop of female employees,
because they believe no women ever travels unescorted.
Helpline numbers are
given to the women so that they can use it when the driver misbehaves with
them. Women can install free mobile applications which send a SOS message to the
chief security officer, HR manager and to any other family member or friend if
the employee is interested. Companies
can avoid women working after 7 PM and travel desk should avoid booking of late
night or early morning flights for women traveling to other cities for business
visits. Work from home can be the best option to women, if the project is not
completed.
Management should
understand and give top priority for the safety of women and invest in training
programs and technologies that boost the confidence of female talent pool.
We pray for the victim
and her family for speedy recovery.
Author: Subburam N.N
College: Amrita School
of Business, Bangalore
Email id :
subburamnn@gmail.com
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