In an industry-first move, Citibank has introduced a work-from-home (WFH) programme exclusively for the women in its workforce. The move is aimed at helping new mothers balance their family and career successfully.
The programme will allow its women employees to apply for a WFH arrangement for a duration of up to 12 months following their 26-week maternity leave. They will also have an option to extend the duration of leave for up to three months of WFH during the final trimester of pregnancy, subject to evaluation and approval. That means, expecting and new mothers can work from home for a total of 21 months.
The initiative will support the company’s women who account for 38 per cent of its total 30,000-strong workforce. Additionally, Citibank will facilitate the preservation of their careers within the organisation and contribute to the creation of a seamless talent pool. This will further enhance the 30 per cent representation of women in mid-senior and senior roles.
Expressing enthusiasm on the new initiative, Aditya Mittal, CHRO, Citi India & South Asia, pointed out how women often either leave their jobs or take extended breaks during this period, which can have a detrimental impact on their careers and, subsequently, the representation of women in senior roles within organisations. “This is a big and timely step to ensure we retain women’s talent and support their career aspirations when they need it the most. Hopefully, this will encourage more industry initiatives to implement the Government’s vision,” he added.
Megha Mangal, digital software engineer, personal banking and wealth management, Citibank India, recently returned from her maternity leave. She expressed her gratitude to the company for its support during this significant phase in her life. “The peace of mind knowing that I could continue contributing to my job working from home made my transition into motherhood so much smoother,” she admitted.
Citibank has consistently rolled out programmes promoting work-life balance and advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). One such initiative was launched in 2019, where the company disclosed its unadjusted pay gaps for women and US minorities, setting a precedent in corporate transparency. In 2021, it became the first Wall Street Bank to introduce a flexible working model.
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