We launched Project Pathmaker in April 2024 to help analyse and map job roles in ways that make the workplace more equitable for people with disabilities.
We developed the project in collaboration with Enable India, an NGO focused on facilitating employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Using the Red-Amber-Green (RAG) mapping system, we evaluated ten roles across five functions to do any accessibility check for various needs in the workplace of people with disabilities. This helped us identify barriers in infrastructure and IT systems that make the workplace ableist.
Beyond job fitment approaches, we also explored job-carving possibilities for roles with limited direct fitment. We also identified barriers in roles requiring mobility or physical presence, such as civil execution and sustenance sales.
This project has helped GPL set an example for hiring practices in the real estate sector and has strengthened organisational readiness to hire and integrate talent from PwD communities in core functions.
The objective of our hiring playbook was to build on the insights from Project Pathmaker to establish an unbiased, data-driven hiring process for persons with disabilities. We focused on ensuring that the playbook emphasises role suitability and eliminating barriers to inclusion.
Our learnings from role-to-disability mapping have been codified into this playbook. This includes a comprehensive evaluation of roles for physical accessibility, task adaptability, and support requirements.
Our hiring playbook is currently focused on people with physical disabilities, people with speech and hearing impairments, and people with visual impairments. The playbook includes detailed assessments on role requirements, functional barriers, and workplace adaptations such as assistive technology and ergonomic setups.
Additionally, we are in the process of producing an app which has been designed to automate fitment evaluations. The app would make it possible for Talent Acquisition teams to enter inputs about the role, type and extent of disability, and situation adaptation. The app provided fitment outcomes based on the Red-Amber-Green system to ensure objective decision-making whilst minimising human bias in identifying suitable roles.
Our next work in this domain is to pilot the fitment app to refine functionality and scalability. We’re also keen on rolling out training programs for Talent Acquisition teams to integrate the app as well as the playbook in daily practices in the workplace.
PWD: ThisAble Me ERG + Internship Launch (Out and Able Event)
Our Out and Able event was attended by 150 people, including 35 students who were interested in and inspired by GPL’s D&I initiatives. We celebrated the second anniversary of our Queers and Allies (Q&A) employee resource group. For two years, this group’s been providing valuable insights and support to ensure our recruitment and retention strategies are responsive to the needs of LGBTQIA+ communities.
Our and Able was also the platform for the launch of our newest ERG, ThisAble Me. As part of the event, we conducted a workshop entitled ‘Godrej Ways of Working’, where we educated participants on our values, purpose, and Code of Conduct (CoC). Similarly, our ERG-strengthening sessions focused on strategizing ways to enhance ERG groups while encouraging them to become self-driven and take the reins, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
We also launched the ThisAble Me internship program, through which we’ve onboarded 8 interns as part of our commitment to extend meaningful work opportunities to people from PwD communities.
Text by GPL's DEI team.