Standard Chartered Bank, India, has recently launched a financial-assistance initiative aimed at supporting employees with physical disabilities. Marking a first within the Group, this initiative is part of the bank’s broader strategy to enhance inclusivity and improve workforce participation among underrepresented talent groups.
This initiative will help individuals with disabilities by providing them access to personal assistive devices (PADs) such as wheelchairs, prosthetics and hearing aids. This initiative also includes benefits such as unlimited doctor consultations and hospitalisation coverage. Additionally, it reflects the bank’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment, in line with its talent proposition to attract and retain diverse talent regardless of individual characteristics.
The bank’s efforts to create an inclusive workplace include awareness and sensitisation sessions, diversity hiring practices, and a dedicated employee resource group for persons with disabilities (PWD). These initiatives are designed to cultivate a culture where all employees feel valued and supported, positioning Standard Chartered Bank as an employer of choice for differently-abled individuals.
In addition to this latest initiative, the bank has also introduced medical coverage for menopause-related care and a 20-week paternity and adoption leave policy to accommodate diverse employee needs.
Commenting on the initiative, Shivshanker SV, head-HR, India & South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank, emphasised that it aligns with the bank’s core value of inclusivity. He noted that “This a significant step to support our employees with physical disabilities, by providing them financial assistance to access personal assistive devices and foster a workplace environment to enable their growth and contribution. It also serves the twin purpose of strengthening our talent proposition while reaffirming our position as an employer of choice for all.”
