30 October 2024 12:08 am Views - 70
The Best Workplaces for Women 2024 list has been unveiled, marking a key step in promoting gender equality and inclusive workplace cultures in Sri Lanka.
Spearheaded by Great Place to Work Sri Lanka, this initiative celebrates organisations that excel in fostering environments where women can thrive. The 2024 list highlights companies that champion women’s career growth, aiming to inspire inclusive practices and showcase diverse, empowering workplaces that drive positive change.
Now in its sixth year, it offers data-driven insights on workplace culture, focusing on women in Sri Lanka’s workforce. The selection process is tailored to local conditions, addressing the challenges women face in both nuclear and extended family roles. Through the SHE ROCKS framework, it promotes women-friendly policies, diverse hiring, return-to-work programmes, equal pay, bias training, growth opportunities and stress-free environments.
To qualify for the Best Workplaces for Women list, organisations needed at least 20 female employees, 10 percent female workforce representation, a Trust Index score above 70 percent and strong Culture Audit scores. Additionally, 70 percent positive feedback from female employees and supportive workplace practices were required.
The 2024 winners include AIA Insurance Lanka Limited, AmSafe Bridport (Pvt.) Ltd, BISTEC Global Services, BoardPAC (Pvt.) Ltd, Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC, EWIS Colombo Limited, H-Connect International Private Limited, Omega Line Ltd, Royal Fernwood Porcelain Ltd, SITREK Home Nursing and Swiftcare (Pvt.) Ltd, Standard Chartered Sri Lanka, SYNERGEN Health Private Limited, Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC, Uzabase Inc and Watawala Plantations PLC. These organisations have set the standard for workplace inclusivity, creating spaces where women can flourish at all levels.
The Best 15 Workplaces represented seven industries, with 33 percent from manufacturing and production, 20 percent from professional services and 13 percent each from IT and IT-enabled services and plantations. Employee numbers in these organisations range from 72 to 4,373, with women comprising 32 percent to 90 percent of the workforce, averaging 56 percent.
This year’s survey collected feedback from over 80,000 employees across 150 organisations, including 26,000 female respondents and highlighted key factors like trust, engagement and empowerment for women in the workforce. Top drivers for women included good facilities (97 percent positivity), senior management integrity (95 percent positivity) and egalitarian treatment (95 percent positivity).
Notably, the Best 15 Workplaces outperformed others for higher employee perception in areas such as compensation and benefits, opportunity for recognition and management reliability.
Great Place to Work Sri Lanka Director/CEO Kshanika Ratnayaka stated, “This year’s list reflects a remarkable shift towards more inclusive, equitable work environments in Sri Lanka. These organisations are setting new benchmarks in empowering women, ensuring their voices are heard and creating spaces where they can truly thrive. By recognising these organisations, we hope to inspire others to follow their example, fostering cultures of trust, respect and equal opportunity across industries.”
The full report, offering actionable insights for businesses can be viewed on the Great Place to Work Sri Lanka website, with an awards ceremony on October 30, recognising the 15 Best Workplaces for Women. In a collaborative partnership with AMCHAM, WCIC and USAID, Great Place to Work will also host a Women and Wellness segment themed ‘Radiance: Inner Wellness, Outer Brilliance, Balanced Future’, featuring keynotes, panel discussions and roundtable sessions exploring how mental and emotional well-being contribute to professional success and personal growth.