In a bid to improve diversity and offer better work environment to women, Nestle India said it has increased the period of maternity leave and taken other steps to improve representation of women in its workforce.

The company said it has extended its maternity leave policy to six months effective February 1, 2016, from 18 weeks earlier, while granting adoption leave for six weeks with full pay and benefits for all permanent women employees.

Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestlé India, said, “One of the key socio-economic opportunities of the 21st century are the increasing role, involvement and contribution of women to the fabric of economic progress that is transforming the world….. At Nestlé, we have a very strong belief and commitment to increasing diversity in our business operations, factories, R&D centres and offices which is articulated in ‘Project Harmony’.”

Besides, the company has introduced a paternity leave policy and will offer five working days with full pay and benefits for all permanent male employees, including blue collar.

The company said to increase the representation of women in the field force it has taken various steps. “Potential women workforce are given a chance to work with a Nutrition/Sales officer for a day to understand the challenges in the role, before joining the company. Flexibility has been provided with regards to travel and stay for women in the field force,” the company said. It is also emphasising on increase in campus hires and mid-career hiring of women employees.

Narayanan added, “Recruitment of increasing number of women, nurturing talent and retention programs as well as the revised Maternity Policy, all seek to provide nuance, sensitivity and a favourable work environment to women colleagues who choose to be mothers some day.”

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