Many Organizational leaders associate “diversity” for inclusion of women into the workforce and recruitment efforts are therefore to increase the sheer number of female workforce. However, Diversity goes beyond gender means people from different Cultural background, Age group, Religion, Caste, Gender, Race, Ethnicity, Sexual Orientation, Education and Socio-Economic status are part of Diversity. Inclusion on the other hand every employee irrespective their differences feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute.
It helps Organization in better decision-making capability since diverse team always bring in different thought process and more creative solutions. It’s observed that Corporate with higher diverse workforce are more likely innovative than its peer and has a better reputation and strong financial performance. Diverse workforce foster trust, belonging and reduce turnover and creates an environment of healthier work culture. Many countries are brought up anti-discrimination law and workplace equality and its mandatory to have diversity and inclusion in your key strategic focus area. Corporates has ethical business practices as their goals must have a Policy.
Globally Hospitality Industry workforce consists of majority of female, minority community and has included LGBT community. However, there are still problem area can be seen. For example, though female employees are majority of workforce only few CEO’s can be seen in the Industry. Many employees still feel the Diversity efforts of the Hotel Industry still has to have more transparency. LGBT community working in Hospitality feels discrimination exists and there is room for improvement.
Indian economy in the cusp of faster economic growth with largest demography, growing middle class and consumption. While world population are getting older and causing shrinking workforce, India has the largest workforce under 30 and soon can become the worlds workforce. Already a world leader in Software and Pharma exports, India slowly gaining reputation in others sectors like Space, electronics, Automotive components and Engineering. As the manufacturing is improving in all major states, hospitality industry can grow uninterrupted for the next decade.
While globally female workforce forms majority in India the female workforce is merely 10-15% and representation of female workforce drops sharply in senior management. When it comes to recruitment of people with disabilities Hospitality Industry contribution is negligible. Brands like Taj and Lemon Tree Hotels are pioneering disability inclusive hiring but industry wide the adoption is slow. When it comes LGBT inclusion hotel chain in India has no significant contribution.
What needs to be done Indian Hospitality Industry become a Diverse and Inclusion Champions.
- Indian Hospitality companies must start recruiting from other streams such BA, BSC, BBA, B.Com etc, beyond Hotel School and create awareness program for female participation in workforce
- Create a mentorship/sponsorship program for women and marginalized people.
- Create an environment of flexible working hours/remote working in administrative areas for females/PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY
- Celebrate traditions, regional customs, festivals and foster belonging
- Have a clear policy formulated for D&I initiatives and make it part of KPI.
- Publish Diversity Metrics and progress reports month on month.
- Strong training programs to discourage discrimination.
- Partner with NGO, Govt agency.
- Have a hiring panel with diverse background to reduce bias/discrimination.
- Improve marketing efforts to create/publish positive changes for talent attraction.
About Author
Udayan Damodharan Director of People and Culture- Novotel Goa Resort & Spa, Candolim, Goa. He has more than 25 years of hospitality experience with major hospitality chains like Leela, Mahindra Holidays, Radisson and Accor Hotels. He has pre opened many hotels and successfully guided many hotels Human Resources function.
Find him on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/Udayan.damodharan-188880810
Disclaimer from Renous
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and do not necessarily reflect the views of our publication. The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The reader should always conduct their own research and due diligence before taking any action based on the information provided in this article.
💼 Want in? Join our free HR broadcast channels:
- WhatsApp Community: WhatsApp Channel
- HR Events: Industry Leaders Confluence
Diversity and Inclusion-Indian Hospitality Industry