EY
Gender equality is a fundamental aspect of any organisation that seeks to foster a culture of inclusivity and progress. Removing barriers that prevent women from enjoying equal opportunities in the workplace and society takes commitment, focus and action as EY has demonstrated. EY’s large force of women professionals discusses how EY has empowered them.
Gender equality measures at EY
Director – Talent Anushka Tissera says: “EY’s ‘people-first’ culture has ensured that our people are valued and recognised. As a Talent Leader, I am proud of our diverse workforce and to be a part of EY.”
Sharing her journey, Manager – Assurance Tharushika Telshani reveals: “I have never encountered discrimination and inequality, and have always been given equal opportunities to grow professionally and personally, shaping me into who I am today.”
Assistant Manager – Strategy & Transactions Senuri Dharmasiriwardane echoes the sentiment: “The firm leads by example with a strong cadre of female Partners, Directors and Managers. EY trusts the work I do and this gives me the confidence to handle any challenges that may arise in my professional career.”
Office Assistant – Support Staff Saumya Peiris agrees that the entire staff is treated equally. The firm’s policies apply to everyone regardless of their gender, which makes her feel valued.
Affirming this view, Director – Assurance Samanthi Bamunusinghe adds: “I have never been treated differently during my 14 years at EY. We all have equal opportunities to ascend in our careers and can even become a Partner.”
“The Diversity, Equality and Inclusiveness Team closely monitors the composition of female representation in middle and senior management, to evaluate the skills and performance of each individual,” notes Associate Director – Consulting Ruwandi De Mel.
Over the many years, EY maintained a high number of women employed and the percentage of senior positions held by women.
Senior Manager – Tax Rifath Mawlana says: “From targeted training programmes to career development opportunities, EY has provided a platform for women to succeed on their own merits.” She says EY understands that the female approach to management is just as valuable.
Senior Receptionist Premila Kandanaarachchi notes: “Both male and female staff are given tremendous opportunities to develop their careers.”
Assistant Manager – Accounting Compliance and Reporting Nilanjani Premadasa adds: “As a team leader I had the opportunity to build my career path while improving my knowledge and skills. I obtained professional memberships and technical qualifications with the assistance of seniors and my achievements have helped me rise.”
Manager – Assurance Mithuna Anandarajah avers: “In EY, we are able to access and enjoy rewards, resources and opportunities regardless of gender.”
Manager – Assurance Kushnara Herath notes: “EY recognises and rewards based on performance and skills – not on gender.”
Manager – Administration & Workplace Services (Kandy) Jinali Peris is grateful that as a female staff member, her ideas, opinions, skills and contributions have been well-received. “Their support has helped me network, communicate with confidence, meet people from different walks of life and provide excellent customer service to all.”
Senior Manager – Assurance Dishanie De Silva believes that “empowering women with a space to share their thoughts and ideas to improve the business is a key measure. Another important measure at EY is prioritising the safety and dignity of women.”
Senior Manager – Consulting Disala Wahs says: “I have never been made conscious of the fact that I am a female but have been offered opportunities in different sectors and client categories without any discrimination.”
Manager – Strategy & Transactions Dilusha Arangala adds: “In my six years at EY, I have never worried about my gender when it comes to career growth. Currently, I manage the sustainability department and am trusted to lead the team, which is not common across other organisations.”
Senior Manager – Assurance (Galle) Chulari Seneviratne recalls: “I joined the EY Galle Office in 1995 as an Audit Trainee and there were only four females. Yet, I never felt any gender inequality and received equal professional experience. I am proud of the fact that I report to a female partner.”
Senior Secretary Bianca Mabogoda says: “EY creates a better working world by enabling women’s potential to transform their skill set towards the top level of management.”
Senior Manager – Assurance (Galle) Anoja Kumuduni adds: “EY uses skills-based assessments and structured interviews when recruiting and promoting to reduce the risk of unfair bias. Since there is no gender pay gap, there is transparency about equal pay for equal work.”
Manager – Brand, Marketing & Communications Angela Weerasinghe says: “Gender equality at EY amazes me. The firm provides benefits and rewards based on performance, irrespective of gender.”
On work-life balance at EY
Tharushika Telshani says: “I am never pressured into situations that could negatively impact my personal life as long as I manage my workload, which eventually helps achieve a perfect work-life balance.”
Anushka Tissera adds: “EY facilitates flexible working arrangements when required, for teams in Sri Lanka and across the region.”
Senuri Dharmasiriwardane notes: “There is a mutual understanding between all team members that as the workload increases more resources are allocated and senior management help is easily obtained.”
Saumya Peiris says: “EY supports work-life balance. In case of an emergency, we have received various relief measures from the firm.”
Samanthi Bamunusinghe adds: “EY looks after its staff well in difficult times and Partners too are always concerned about the staff.”
Ruwandi De Mel explains: “As a team leader, I have to ensure work-life balance for my team – through clear communication and by setting achievable deadlines.”
Premila Kandanaarachchi says: “The staff has always been given opportunities and is equally valued to have a balanced work-life.”
Nilanjani Premadasa avers: “At EY, we have a healthy work-life balance as we are working together as a team. Work pressure is borne by the team, not by a single person. My team leaders assist me and my team members to balance our work-life and as one family, we celebrate special life events together.”
Mithuna Anandarajah adds: “EY always extends study leave to complete exams, understands employees’ personal situations and is flexible with schedules.”
Kushnara Herath says: “Alongside work, employees are given time to tend to wellbeing and encouraged to participate in social activities.”
Jinali Peris avers: “I have built a stable career for the past 25 plus years because of EY and I am proud to say EY ensures a work-life balance for its staff and is committed to continuously ‘build a better working world.’ Working at EY taught me the right balance.”
Dishanie De Silva notes, “EY has an open-door policy where we can discuss problems with the top management. The firm understands its employees and their work-life needs.”
Disala Wahs says: “EY provides flexibility and the freedom to organise our work around important personal commitments. It is productivity that’s important rather than the hours we put in.”
Chulari Seneviratne adds: “As a Senior Manager, I have many responsibilities and I am aware of the trust placed in me as a first level staff member who is directly dealing with valuable clients and other stakeholders at the Galle Office. EY has become my second home.”
Bianca Mabogoda notes: “Working long hours is anticipated in many professions but EY focusses on improving staff wellbeing and offers opportunities for young working families by accommodating their needs.”
Angela Weerasinghe says: “Although the work is challenging, EY prioritises its staff and ensures to build a better working world.”
– Compiled by Yamini Sequeira
