Marico has always been synonymous with household names such as Parachute, Saffola, and Set Wet—brands that resonate with millions of consumers. But behind its product successes lies an unyielding commitment to culture, one that has shaped the company’s journey from a family-owned enterprise into a global leader. The engine of this transformation is something Marico calls The Marico Way. This guiding ethos fuses inclusivity, innovation, and diversity, creating a workplace culture that aligns seamlessly with the company’s ambitions.
“The Marico Way is not a static set of principles,” explains Amit Prakash, CHRO, Marico. “It is a living, breathing framework that has shaped who we are for over 35 years. We continually disrupt not only our markets but also our approaches to talent and culture.”
Recently, Marico undertook a comprehensive exercise to refine its core values, aligning them with the demands of a digital-first, diverse, and rapidly evolving world. This was not just an internal initiative. The company engaged stakeholders across geographies—investors, retail partners, and employees—to ensure its values resonated at every level. The aim was clear: to foster an inclusive, forward-looking culture where every member feels a sense of ownership and belonging.
“The Marico Way is not a static set of principles. It is a living, breathing framework that has shaped who we are for over 35 years. We continually disrupt not only our markets but also our approaches to talent and culture.”
Amit Prakash, CHRO, Marico
A culture of inclusivity
At the heart of Marico’s ethos is inclusivity, a principle that extends far beyond token gestures. For Marico, inclusivity is about creating environments where diverse voices are not just heard but valued. “Inclusivity for us is about listening, involving, and understanding varied perspectives,” says Prakash. This belief is embedded in Marico’s DNA and operationalised through a range of initiatives.
Regular feedback loops, powered by AI tools, pulse surveys, and one-on-one dialogues, ensure that leaders remain attuned to employee sentiment. These insights inform targeted action plans, often developed collaboratively between teams and their managers. One unique element is Marico’s ‘value score’, an evaluative tool shared with leaders every six months. Trust-building sessions follow these evaluations, fostering open conversations and a commitment to continuous improvement.
This inclusivity is not just a corporate aspiration but a necessity in a company operating across diverse geographies and cultural contexts. For instance, in regions with paternalistic societal norms, Marico creates microcosms of inclusivity, encouraging employees to express themselves freely. In contrast, in liberal markets, the focus shifts to sensitising employees to respectful collaboration. “Balancing global coherence with local relevance is critical,” explains Prakash.
Tailored initiatives with tangible results
Marico’s commitment to inclusivity is brought to life through carefully curated initiatives. Programmes like Ignite nurture emerging talent, WINGS supports employees with disabilities, and Phoenix facilitates the reintegration of women returning to the workforce after career breaks. Each of these initiatives operates within a broader framework designed to foster empowerment and inclusivity.
But Marico doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. “We focus on individual-driven enablement,” says Prakash. For instance, a visually impaired employee may require entirely different support systems than someone with a hearing impairment. This granular level of customisation is a hallmark of Marico’s approach.
Success metrics for these programmes are as precise as their design. Retention rates, career growth, and long-term engagement levels among participants are closely monitored. The company’s ultimate goal is not just short-term performance but the creation of sustainable career trajectories for all its members. Marico also uses cutting-edge tools like AI chatbots to gather real-time feedback, ensuring that programmes evolve based on member needs.
Beyond borders: Navigating complexity in a global landscape
Marico’s operations span both traditional and digitally enabled businesses, each presenting unique challenges. In its traditional segments, long-term relationships and employee growth are pivotal to success. Employees here often play critical roles in innovation, brand building, and distribution. On the other hand, Marico’s digital ventures attract a younger, transient workforce more focused on short-term gains.
“These ecosystems require distinct approaches,” says Prakash. While the overarching values remain constant, their implementation is tailored to suit specific business needs. This dual approach allows Marico to maintain a cohesive identity while addressing the nuanced demands of its diverse operations.
Reinforcing values through recognition
Recognition is a cornerstone of Marico’s value-driven culture. Initiatives like the I Value You month celebrate employees whose behaviours embody the company’s ethos. Similarly, quarterly town halls and the MD & CEO Awards highlight individuals and teams whose contributions have had a tangible impact.
At the team level, trust conversations provide platforms for open dialogue. These sessions foster collective understanding, align teams with organisational goals, and ensure that values translate into everyday actions. At the organisational level, values are integrated into major communication platforms, ensuring they remain top-of-mind for all members.
Preparing for tomorrow
Marico’s focus on inclusivity and innovation is not just about addressing present challenges but preparing for the future. As Prakash puts it, “The Marico Way is about staying true to our ethos while continuously evolving.”
By embedding inclusivity into its operations, fostering dialogue across geographies, and promoting individual empowerment, Marico exemplifies what it means to be a future-ready organisation. Its success serves as a powerful reminder that a company’s true strength lies not just in its products but in the values it cultivates.
