Tata Motors has launched ‘Wheels of Love’, a holistic programme that supports new parents in the workforce. This is a move to promote a progressive culture of care, inclusion and sensitisation within the organisation across levels.
A specially curated book, also aptly titled, Wheels of Love, puts forth various beliefs to enable new and expectant parents to successfully manage the needs of a growing family while also fulfilling their career goals. This guide book also provides valuable insights for managers to support their team members as they progress through the various stages of parenthood.
Ravindra Kumar GP, chief human resources officer, Tata Motors, shares how Tata Motors has “embraced diversity and inclusion at all levels as a strategy to success.” The Company’s “gender diverse workspace, which is both sensitive and inclusive, is built on the foundation of creating an ecosystem that is attractive and supportive to women professionals at various stages of their life and career.” According to Kumar, “‘Wheels of Love’ takes this thinking forward by creating a cohesive network of connect, warmth and support for new and expectant parents to enjoy the bliss of parenthood.”
Key aspects of the programme include the announcement of pregnancy at the workplace, understanding the manager’s dilemma, effective management of work deliverables, job handover, maternity leave management and transition back to work. It also helps mother and managers to navigate through the various phases of maternity, becoming a parent and transitioning back to work, with the help of guides. New parents will have access to dedicated counselling sessions to address the emotional and psychological challenges that may arise. One-to-one coaching sessions will be provided to pregnant/new mothers and their managers to manage work transitions. Buddies will be assigned to the new mothers to keep in touch with their workplace during the maternity break. Employee Resource Groups will be formed for new parents to engage, and also share learnings and experiences. Webinars will be organized on relevant topics, including guidance on preparing for newborns, childcare responsibilities for dual-career couples, and much more.
