Hindustan Zinc, the integrated zinc producer, has witnessed a 44 per cent year-on-year growth in LGBTQIA+ employees across operations. The company has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse and safe workplace by launching a Pride Month campaign titled #CallHZLYourHome.
The company aims to achieve 30 per cent diversity in the workforce by 2030 as per its sustainable development goals and currently has a gender diversity ratio of nearly 26 per cent in the executive workforce, amongst the highest in the world in the metals & mining sector. Those from the LGBTQIA+ community keen to join Hindustan Zinc can apply at: https://lnkd.in/dAmSdsXe.
As per its inclusive workplace policies, Hindustan Zinc provides financial support of up to Rs 1 lakh to transgender employees, and Rs 2 lakh for gender reaffirmation in addition to leaves and compensation for those considering gender reassignment surgery. The firm also offers a parenthood policy for LGBTQIA+ individuals who wish to legally adopt a child, and housing policy for employees from the LGBTQIA community.
The metals and mining sector is known to be a male-dominated one but Hindustan Zinc employs 23 transgender employees across its business units, offering significant representation in mainstream roles such as finance, supply chain, marketing, medical and other departments.
The company is committed to providing rich job content powered by a tech-first approach through Industry 4.0, robotics and automation. These have standardised work processes and eliminated manual intervention associated with this sector. The company offers differentiated career-enhancement opportunities in this high-growth sector with the global boom in critical minerals and energy transition metals.
In the words of Priya Agarwal Hebbar, non-executive director, Vedanta and chairperson, Hindustan Zinc, “For many individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community, the outside world and sometimes even their own homes can feel like a stage where they are constantly watched, judged and misunderstood. At Hindustan Zinc, however, we strive to create an environment where every person is valued and empowered to be their authentic selves. Here, you are not just an employee but a part of a family, a place you can truly call home.”
“From gender-sensitive policies to mental-wellness sessions and unbiased hiring practices, I’ve consistently felt seen, respected, and empowered,” says an LGBTQIA+ employee, adding “My colleagues recognise me as an equal contributor, and this is a place where both my identity and expertise are genuinely valued. Hindustan Zinc’s support has not only helped me thrive but also enabled me to advocate for others. It has been a truly transformative journey.”
Another LGBTQIA+ employee who works as a store manager shares a similar experience, “ I feel respected, valued, and fully included, just like any other team member. I’m entrusted with key responsibilities and mentored like any other professional, with a focus on my growth. The inclusive environment and thoughtful policies make me feel safe, motivated, and committed to building a long-term career here. It’s a workplace where dignity and opportunity go hand in hand.”
‘Zinclusion’ is an in-house organization-wide platform that strives to embrace diversity in all forms, including the LGBTQIA+, differently-abled individuals, and people from varied geographies and ethnicities. The platform’s goal is to create a safe and welcoming workplace for all employees to be themselves and ensure equal opportunities for advancement regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Since 2022, the company has been expanding its recruitment efforts to actively include members of the transgender community, who face challenges in securing sustainable livelihoods for a life of dignity.
