Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) plans to increase the number of female workers in its workforce in Tamil Nadu plant to take the ratio to at least 20 per cent by 2022. The commercial vehicle major has hired 46 women for shop floor operations as part of the first stage of its ‘DiveIN’ (diversity & inclusive) initiative. The new employees have been deployed across key function areas on the shop floor, including engine & transmission, cab trim, quality management, cabin-in-white and paint shop.   

Satyakam Arya, MD and CEO, DICV, said, “Diversity is critical to the long-term success of any organization. At DICV, we are promoting inclusivity by welcoming women to our factory with a supportive, professional working environment.”

DICV has implemented a comprehensive set of changes at the factory to ensure the welfare and well-being of the new employees. The company first installed suitable infrastructure and services such as restrooms and changing rooms, crèche facilities and dedicated medical professionals. It also reinforced existing workplace policies and measures including the speedy grievance redressal system, gender sensitization training, and the POSH- prevention of sexual harassment committee.

Yeshwanth Kumar Kini, Head of HR, said, “Diversity and inclusion are some of our fundamental principles at DICV. To ensure new employees settle comfortably into their new roles, we provide a comprehensive on-boarding process, including training on safety, health and hygiene, communication skills, firefighting and basic tool handling. We hope this initiative encourages more women to join a company that understands their value.”