Optimize

We adopt a dual approach to elevate the employee experience.

We optimize our policies to ensure they remain employeecentric, progressive, and adaptable to evolving needs. This includes regular reviews and updates to maintain relevance and alignment with industry best practices.

We focus on optimizing our talent pool by investing in the professional development of our employees. Through training, upskilling, and mentorship programs, we empower our team to enhance their abilities and unlock their full potential, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Optimizing The Policies

During the reporting period, we revisited, refined, and recalibrated several of our policies. Here is a brief overview

Parental Support Policy	WIN for New & Expectant Parents - This year, we introduced the Workplace INclusivity (WIN) policy for New & Expectant Parents. The key aspects that the policy seeks to address include: Flexibility To allow more time with new-borns + own well-being Financial Benefits To help manage childcare expenses Comfort Comfort facilities in office during parenting stages, including while expecting, and during nursing The Policy expands parental leave eligibility, ensuring equal opportunities for childcare regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or path to parenthood. It offers enhanced flexibility and support, including extended remote work options and financial aid such as childcare allowances, creche reimbursements, and partnerships with creche facilities. WIN for Persons with Disabilities - This Policy supports employees with disabilities with a range of benefits, including reimbursement for assistive technology. Therapy Benefits for Kids with Special Needs - With an aim to support our employees and their families better, we have introduced therapy benefits for employee's children with special needs. We now provide a defined OPD support to cover the therapy costs.
Leave Policy	Flexi Holiday - Festival Leave - We have revamped our Leave Policy to enhance inclusivity. A key feature is the introduction of Flexi Festival Leaves, allowing employees from diverse regions and religious backgrounds to choose and observe the festivals that are important to them. Care and Compassion - Recognizing our employees' caregiving responsibilities, we have introduced a Care and Compassion Leave policy. It allows flexibility for our employees to take care of a sick spouse/partner, child, aging parent, or pet. This shows our commitment to supporting our diverse workforce, helping them balance personal and professional obligations with ease. Personal Milestone - To celebrate key life events such as birthdays and anniversaries. Give Back Leave - One day every quarter to participate in volunteering activities of their choice.
Insurance Policies	Our Employee Medical (Hospitalization) Insurance Policy reflects our commitment to employee well-being. Covered by the Company, the policy offers a comprehensive INR 6 lakh family floater, including self, spouse/partner, and two dependent children up to 25 years. From maternity expenses to IVF treatments and therapy for kids with special needs, every aspect of healthcare is addressed. Mental illness receives significant coverage for inpatient and outpatient care. The policy's inclusivity extends to dependents, allowing for the addition of live-in or same-sex partners. Apart from this, Colgate also offers all salaried & clerical employees with Voluntary Parental Medical Insurance Policy*, Life Insurance Policy, Personal Accident Insurance Policy to provide financial security to the employee and their families through Group Medical, OPD Insurance, Life & Personal Accident Insurance coverage.
Gender-Neutral POSH Policy	We have amended our POSH Policy to make it gender-neutral by going above and beyond the legal requirements. Our current policy covers all the complaints of sexual harassment irrespective of the gender/gender identity of the aggrieved person. This helps us in creating a work environment that enables all employees and third parties to work without fear of prejudice, gender bias and sexual harassment.
Gender Affirmation Surgery Policy	We now cover gender affirmation surgery in our medical insurance, including OPD consultations and surgery charges. This ensures that our transgender employees have access to essential healthcare services to align with their gender identity, affirming the dignity and rights of all within our workforce, fostering an environment of respect for all.
Blend-In Policy	The policy aims to provide flexible work experiences to support employees and achieve a healthier work-life balance while best supporting our business priorities. It covers On-site and Blended roles. On-site roles: Employees can avail up to 12 remote working days in a calendar year (one day/month) Blended roles: Employees in this role can work remotely up to 2 days in a week In addition, employees are eligible for 'Work From Anywhere' arrangement every year during which they can work out of any location within India for up to 2 weeks at a stretch.