Hindustan Zinc launches inclusive language guide to promote workplace equity – ET Auto

Hindustan Zinc has introduced a Guidebook to inclusive language aimed at promoting equity and inclusivity within the workplace. The guide, launched under the company’s Zinclusion platform, serves as a framework to encourage respectful communication and greater awareness across all levels of the organisation.The launch featured a panel discussion on the theme of ‘Allyship’, led by the company’s CEO Arun Misra and Dr. Sanjay Sharma, Retired Air Commodore and advocate for transgender healthcare and inclusion.The guidebook is part of the company’s broader diversity and inclusion efforts, which have included policies such as financial assistance of up to ₹1 lakh for employees from the LGBTQIA+ community, and ₹2 lakhs with leave provisions for transgender employees undergoing gender reaffirmation procedures. Additional policies cover parenthood and housing support.

Recruitment and representation in mainstream roles

Since 2022, Hindustan Zinc has expanded its hiring efforts to include members of the transgender community. As of now, twenty-three LGBTQIA+ employees are working across functions such as finance, supply chain, marketing, quality, and medical services. The company has recorded a 44 per cent year-on-year increase in hiring from the LGBTQ community.

The company states that this has been facilitated by its tech-focused operations using Industry 4.0 technologies, robotics, and automation, which have streamlined processes and reduced manual intervention.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc and Director of Vedanta Limited, said, “At Vedanta & Hindustan Zinc, we strive to create an environment where every person is valued and empowered to be their authentic selves. This guidebook reflects our values of togetherness and belonginess where you are not just an employee; you are part of a family.”

Dr. Sanjay Sharma added, “Language shapes how we see each other; it can either build barriers or open doors. Hindustan Zinc’s Inclusive Language Guidebook is a step toward creating a culture of respect, dignity, and belonging.”

Goals for the future

The company aims to reach 30% workforce diversity by 2030 as part of its Sustainable Development Goals. At present, the gender diversity ratio in its executive workforce stands at nearly 26 per cent, which is among the highest in the global metals and mining sector.

Through leadership engagement, sensitisation sessions, and internal support systems such as the Buddy System, Hindustan Zinc continues to promote inclusion as a core organisational principle.