Rising 2024, India’s leading conference on diversity and inclusion in technology, brought together top leaders from the tech industry to collaborate and discuss innovative strategies for creating inclusive workplaces. One of the event partners, Providence India, exemplifies the power of fostering diversity and inclusivity in the workplace to drive equity-centered leadership, not just within healthcare but also in other industries. Headquartered in Hyderabad, Providence India is the engineering, operations, and innovation hub of Providence, a not-for-profit health system in the US. With 170 years of experience, Providence is committed to providing world-class, equitable, affordable, and accessible healthcare to diverse communities.
Providence India has made significant progress in promoting gender diversity, with women making up 38% of its workforce. In February 2020, the organization formed a 12-member diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) council, comprising a business leader as its executive sponsor and members from different parts of the organization. The council’s goal is to align DEI initiatives with strategic business priorities and ensure effective achievement of goals. It covers areas such as well-being, gender, education and awareness, and hiring and retention, with each having a dedicated working group. These initiatives have earned Providence India multiple industry recognitions, making it a preferred employer among prospective talent and significantly improving retention rates.
One of the council’s major initiatives is the creation of a women’s Employee Resource Group, which aims to empower women to thrive in their professional and personal lives. This is achieved through flexible benefits, workplace opportunities, and professional learning, networking, and mentoring programs. Providence India has also prioritized employee well-being, acquiring the WELL Health-Safety RatingTM and the international LEED Gold certification for meeting best-in-class building standards for physical, occupational, emotional, and mental well-being. The organization has also implemented a holistic approach to employee well-being, including special amenities for women, under its ‘Total Well-being’ priority. In 2021, Providence launched ‘My Mental Health Matters’, a progressive initiative aimed at supporting its workforce physically, emotionally, and across all dimensions of well-being.
Providence India’s efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion have not only made it a preferred employer but have also earned it recognition as a benchmark for best-in-class organizations. With its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace, Providence India is setting an example for other organizations to follow. As we continue to strive for a more diverse and inclusive tech industry, Providence India’s initiatives serve as a reminder of the positive impact that diversity and inclusivity can have on an organization’s success.
