Around 30% of SBI employees will be women by 2030
What's the story
The State Bank of India (SBI), the country's largest lender, has unveiled a plan to improve gender diversity in its workforce. The bank plans to increase its female employees from the current 27% to 30% within five years. This is part of a broader effort by SBI to create an inclusive work environment where women can thrive at all levels.
Workforce composition
Women make up about 27% of the workforce
SBI currently employs over 2.4 lakh people, the highest in the banking sector. Among these, women make up about 27% of the total workforce. The bank's Deputy Managing Director (HR) & Chief Development Officer (CDO), Kishore Kumar Poludasu, said that while women account for nearly a third of frontline staff, they only make up a little over a quarter of the overall workforce.
Support programs
Initiatives to support women employees
SBI has introduced several programs to support its women employees. These include a creche allowance for working mothers, a family connect program, and training sessions for those returning from maternity leave or extended sick leave. The bank also runs 'Empower Her,' an initiative aimed at identifying and mentoring women for leadership roles through structured leadership labs and coaching sessions.
Health programs
Health programs for women
SBI has also launched health programs specifically for its women employees. These initiatives include breast and cervical cancer screenings, nutrition allowances for pregnant staff, and a cervical cancer vaccination drive. Poludasu emphasized that these measures are part of SBI's commitment to creating an inclusive, secure, and safe environment where its women employees can realize their full potential.
Branch representation
Women-led branches and IT representation
SBI has over 340 branches manned entirely by women across the country. This number is expected to grow in the future. Poludasu said that women employees are well represented across all geographies and hierarchical levels, which shows the bank's commitment to inclusivity. He also highlighted that SBI has a dynamic and skilled pool of IT specialist officers who ensure security, efficiency, and innovation in banking operations.