DBS Bank India: Leading the Charge for Gender Equity

DBS Bank India has been recognized as one of the ‘Best Companies for Women in India’ (BCWI) 2024 for the ninth consecutive year, an honor it shares as a member of the “Best Companies – Hall of Fame.” This award, presented by Avtar and Seramount, highlights the bank’s ongoing commitment to gender equity and diversity. The BCWI study, noted for its depth in gender analytics, evaluates organizational practices through a comprehensive questionnaire, showcasing DBS’s dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace where women represent 31% of its workforce, with a goal of increasing this to 35% within three years.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Kishore Poduri, Managing Director and Country Head of HR at DBS Bank India, emphasized the significance of this recognition, stating it reflects the bank’s inclusive culture that empowers individuals. To drive its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, DBS has established a dedicated DEI Council, which focuses on attracting diverse talent and offering personalized career development opportunities.

Key programs include

High-Potential (HiPo) Programme: Identifies and nurtures high-performing employees, with over 25% of the recent cohort being women.

LEAD Programme: Empowers high-performing women in senior roles with individual development plans and workshops.

MyPersona Programme: Supports mid-level women professionals in preparing for senior roles.

Reimagine Programme: A six-month internship for women returning from career breaks, providing mentorship and project experience.

iGrow Platform: An AI/ML-powered tool that assists employees in understanding their career aspirations, boasting a 77% adoption rate.

RISE Forum and Lean-In Circles: Facilitate networking and support among women in the organization.

Strategic Partnerships and Research

DBS Bank India’s initiatives extend beyond internal programs. The bank collaborates with organizations like Aspire4Her to enhance career opportunities for women in banking and has produced studies such as “Women and Finance” in partnership with CRISIL. The second report in this series addresses the unique challenges faced by women in the workforce, aiming to empower organizations to better meet their needs.

Recognizing the Larger Picture

As highlighted by Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President of the Avtar Group, while significant strides have been made in women’s workforce participation, there remains work to be done in fostering women’s leadership and ensuring workplace safety. Subha V. Barry, President of Seramount, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive environments for all underrepresented groups.

About DBS Bank

DBS Bank, headquartered in Singapore, has a robust presence in Asia and has been recognized globally for its innovative banking practices. In India since 1994, it operates nearly 500 branches across 19 states, focusing on customer-centric services and responsible banking. The bank’s commitment to sustainability and social impact is reflected in its initiatives to equip communities with future-ready skills through the DBS Foundation.

About Avtar and Seramount

Avtar is India’s pioneer in workplace diversity and inclusion, recognized for its extensive research and initiatives to enhance women’s participation in the workforce. Seramount, with over 40 years of experience, partners with leading companies to cultivate inclusive workplaces through data-driven insights and best practices. Together, they continue to push the envelope on gender equity in the corporate landscape.