We embarked on a transformative partnership with Impresario, focusing on strengthening their organizational framework through a gender justice and inclusion lens. This three-month engagement encompassed policy reviews, training sessions, and strategic consultancy to create lasting change in workplace culture and practices.
Our collaboration with Impresario centered on creating sustainable change within their organizational framework. We identified three key objectives: conducting thorough reviews of existing HR policies through a gender and inclusion lens, delivering comprehensive POSH training, and developing gender-sensitive workplace policies. Working closely with their HR team and leadership, we examined existing policies ranging from recruitment practices to performance management systems.
The partnership brought together key stakeholders from across the organization, including the HR department, leadership team, department managers, and employee representatives, ensuring a comprehensive approach to organizational transformation.
Snapshot of the Partnership
Our partnership with Impresario was multi-faceted, addressing key areas to build a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Here are the critical milestones achieved:
- Policy Review and Enhancement: We conducted a detailed review of 15 core HR policies, ensuring they aligned with best practices in gender justice and workplace equity. Key revisions included strengthening the Employee Compensation & Benefits Policy to promote pay transparency and equity, updating the Recruitment Policy to ensure diverse hiring pipelines, and refining the Employee Performance Management Policy to integrate DEI-related performance metrics.
- POSH Training & Workplace Safety: We facilitated intensive training sessions to enhance awareness of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act and create a safer workplace. This involved scenario-based learning, interactive discussions, and equipping employees with the tools to recognize and address workplace harassment.
- Gender-Sensitive Workplace Policies: We worked with Impresario to introduce inclusive parental leave policies, flexible work arrangements, and clear anti-harassment guidelines that emphasize prevention, response, and redressal mechanisms.
- Leadership & Culture Shift: One of the most significant aspects of this collaboration was engaging senior leadership in the process. Their active involvement ensured that DEI principles were embedded in both policies and everyday workplace interactions.
While aligning existing policies with best practices while maintaining operational efficiency presented challenges, we overcame these through phased implementation and regular stakeholder consultations.
Our Impact
The partnership’s impact manifested across multiple dimensions. Quantitatively, we reviewed and enhanced 15 core HR policies, developed a new POSH framework, and implemented gender-sensitive recruitment guidelines. These changes were accompanied by qualitative improvements, including a shift towards gender-neutral language in policies, enhanced focus on diversity in recruitment channels, and the introduction of blind review processes for job applications.
Our policy impact included significant revisions to the employee compensation structure to ensure equitable pay, introduction of inclusive benefits across all employee bands, and enhancement of parental leave policies. We also implemented flexible work arrangements and strengthened harassment prevention measures.
The collaboration fostered meaningful organizational transformation, marked by increased awareness about gender justice and inclusion, enhanced understanding of POSH guidelines, and development of more equitable HR practices. The team demonstrated stronger engagement with DEI initiatives and showed improved understanding of gender sensitivity in workplace interactions.
Our Takeaways and Learnings
Our work with Impresario reinforced the crucial importance of integrating DEI considerations into organizational policies and creating transparent, equitable systems. Moving forward, we plan to monitor the implementation of revised policies, conduct follow-up training sessions, and continue supporting Impresario in their DEI journey.
“Working with Impresario was a super fun and creative process. It allowed us to imagine inclusion in a way that is not only meaningful and intentional but that it becomes a way of life. Their senior leadership buy-in was especially something that stood out for us. From making internal compliance and culture stronger, enabling diversified programming to ensuring patrons feel safe and welcome, this was a special project for us.”
– Vandita Morarka, Founder and CEO of One Future Collective
As we continue our mission to build workplaces that champion gender justice and inclusion, we look forward to partnering with more organizations that share our commitment to fostering equitable and supportive environments.