CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF ADVOCATING GENDER EQUALITY

HSBC Global Service Centre (GSC) Sri Lanka completed 20 years in March, and celebrated two decades of championing diversity and inclusion within the organisation and beyond. This milestone serves as a testimony to GSC’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture where individuals of all backgrounds thrive and contribute to collective success.

Founded in 2004, HSBC GSC Sri Lanka has grown exponentially in the last two decades and currently employs over 2,700 staff across its operations. From its humble beginnings in the World Trade Center, the company has expanded its footprint, moving to the Hexagon House in Rajagiriya in 2005 and now operating from two locations – Union Place and Mireka Tower, Havelock City.

Embracing the concept of hybrid working, HSBC GSC Sri Lanka has provided employees with flexibility and autonomy, fostering a conducive environment for both personal and professional growth.

HSBC GSC recognises that fostering diversity and promoting gender equality are fundamental principles for success, and continues its commitment as a trailblazer in promoting gender equality and women empowerment within the organisation.

On its 20th anniversary, which coincided with International Women’s Day, HSBC GSC was proud to celebrate its achievements in advancing gender equality and empowering women in the workplace. Women comprise a substantial portion of the workforce, accounting for an impressive 47 percent.

The commitment to gender diversity extends beyond mere representation as 32 percent of senior management positions are held by women, showcasing GSC’s commitment to breaking the glass ceiling and providing equal opportunities for career advancement. This equitable distribution of leadership roles not only reflects the dedication to meritocracy but also underscores the invaluable contributions of women at every level of the organisation.

Beyond the boardroom, HSBC GSC embraces diversity at every level of its workforce. The company’s dedication to gender equality extends beyond leadership positions to encompass all facets of its workforce. This holistic approach not only promotes gender parity but also enriches the organisational culture by harnessing the full potential of its diverse talent pool.

HSBC GSC prioritises gender diversity in its decision-making processes, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in key strategic initiatives. This commitment to inclusivity fosters a culture of equality and empowers women to contribute meaningfully to the company’s success. The organisation is also committed to nurturing the professional growth and development of its female employees.

The company has rolled out an employee assistance programme tailored to women, providing resources and opportunities for skill enhancement and career development.

There is also a dedicated programme called Headway that runs across the region to sustain the female leadership pipeline by providing mentorship by key senior leaders.

One of the cornerstones of HSBC GSC Sri Lanka’s efforts to support working mothers is its progressive maternity policy. Recognising the importance of maternal health and bonding time with newborns, the company provides 200 days of paid maternity leave, which is well beyond the legal stipulation.

This extended leave period not only enables new mothers to prioritise their wellbeing and that of their newborns but also facilitates a smooth transition back to the workplace. The policy claims that women can utilise this facility for adoption as well.

Similarly, to alleviate the financial circumstances of mothers returning to work, the company provides an additional allowance for each newborn. This initiative not only supports working mothers but also demonstrates its proactive approach to addressing the needs of its employees.

Going further in consideration of new and expecting mothers, HSBC GSC Sri Lanka features dedicated mothers’ rooms equipped with amenities for both pregnant employees and those returning from maternity leave.

This thoughtful provision ensures that new and expectant mothers have access to a comfortable and private space to attend to their needs, further enhancing their work-life balance and facilitating a seamless transition back to work without compromising their parental responsibilities.

Moreover, this reflects the company’s understanding of the challenges faced by working mothers, and its commitment to providing a supportive environment for them to balance work and family responsibilities.

HSBC GSC is leading the charge in addressing women’s health issues through its innovative programmes. The company recently introduced its Menopause Awareness Programme, acknowledging the impact of menopause on women’s physical and mental health. This initiative aims to create a supportive environment where women feel comfortable discussing and managing menopause symptoms in the workplace.

In addition to these supportive measures, HSBC GSC prioritises the safety and wellbeing of female employees, particularly those working during late night or early morning hours. To ensure their security, women staff are provided with dedicated security officials and transportation services for safe pick ups and drop offs from their respective homes.

From progressive policies such as extended maternity leave to inclusive decision-making processes and robust support systems, the company demonstrates a steadfast commitment to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion.

HSBC GSC Sri Lanka believes that by creating a supportive and inclusive environment, it can not only benefit its employees but also drive innovation and success for the organisation.

– Compiled by Dona Senara
COMPANY DETAILS

Telephone: 5580001 | Email: gsccolombo@hsbc.com |

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