Leadership Development for Women at LTF

How LTF is Empowering the Rise of Women’s Leadership

Creating a welcoming and empowering atmosphere for women is a fundamental principle of L&T Finance (LTF). Understanding that women frequently balance difficult personal and professional obligations, LTF has put in place a number of rules to assist them. LTF's dedication to fostering a positive work environment and providing customised policies to enable women in achieving professional success while juggling personal responsibilities depends on the growth of women leaders. This blog talks about LTF's leadership development strategy, the importance of these programs, and the ways in which they help the company and its workforce.

Role of Leadership Development for Women

Leadership development for women is essential for multiple reasons.

• First, it helps address the gender disparity in leadership positions across industries. Developing women's leadership capabilities provides organisations with diverse perspectives, which can lead to better decision-making and innovation.
• At the societal level, empowering women in leadership creates role models, encouraging younger generations to pursue similar paths.
• Moreover, supporting women's growth at work has boosted morale and productivity. When women feel valued and see pathways to advancement, they are more motivated and engaged.
• Leadership programs specifically designed for women address unique challenges, such as work-life balance, that are more commonly experienced by women.
• Effective leadership programs also build crucial skills—such as decision-making, team management, and strategic thinking—that are necessary for leadership roles.

How L&T Finance Promotes Leadership Development for Women at LTF

LTF's commitment to promoting women in leadership is reflected in various policies supporting women throughout their careers. These initiatives include flexible work arrangements, maternity support, comfort days, and dedicated child care leave.

Here’s a look at the key initiatives at LTF that contribute to women's leadership development:-

1. Flexible Work Arrangements
   Recognising the importance of work-life balance, LTF offers flexible work policies to women. Women employees with children of age less than 18 months can choose work-from-home options and even customise their schedules in times of need. For instance, two additional monthly comfort days allow women to work from home during their menstrual cycle or when managing personal health issues, making it easier to balance personal responsibilities without impacting their professional commitments. These flexibility options empower women to take charge of their careers while balancing family and personal needs.
2. Comprehensive Maternity Wellness and Support Policy
   Maternity support is a significant component of LTF’s commitment to women’s well-being. LTF’s maternity wellness policy includes pre- and post-natal support, such as travel assistance and preferential seating for expecting mothers. Women employees commuting to work via public transport receive an additional monthly travel allowance, recognizing the physical demands of pregnancy. This financial aid ensures that women can prioritise health and comfort while maintaining their professional roles.
3. Work-from-Anywhere for New Mothers
   LTF allows new mothers to work from anywhere for up to 26 weeks if their job role permits, providing them with the flexibility needed to manage their professional and family duties. This flexibility ensures that women do not feel compelled to choose between career aspirations and family obligations, making it easier to transition back into work post-maternity.
4. Child Care Leave
   Women with children under 18 months of age can take up to 14 weeks of paid childcare leave, offering them the freedom to focus on their newborns without sacrificing their income or career progression. This leave can be taken in blocks, giving mothers time to bond with and care for their young children. By providing comprehensive child care leave, LTF recognizes the importance of supporting mothers and ensuring they feel valued and supported.
5. Preferential Parking and Reserved Seating for Expecting Mothers
   LTF has taken additional steps to ensure a comfortable workplace for expecting mothers. For example, pregnant employees are given access to reserved parking spaces near office entrances and ergonomic seating arrangements to alleviate discomfort. These provisions demonstrate LTF’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment that meets the unique needs of its women employees.
6. Effective Policy Communication and Compliance
   LTF takes proactive steps to ensure all women employees understand their rights and benefits through training and accessible policy information. By clearly communicating policies, LTF enables women to make informed career decisions. Additionally, women employees are encouraged to use the available resources, seek guidance, and understand the eligibility criteria for benefits. LTF’s human resources team actively helps employees navigate policy details, ensuring all women feel supported.

Leadership Development Advantage at L&T Finance

L&T Finance (LTF) is committed to leadership development and environmental responsibility as part of its growth strategy. Here are some key highlights:-

• In FY23, LTF raised a significant ₹ 585 crore Social/Sustainability Linked Rupee Loan, up from ₹ 200 crore in FY22, to support its goals.
• The company also achieved a water-positive status, replenishing 111 times the water used in its operations.
• Additionally, LTF promoted its Chief Risk Officer from its internal Leadership Development Talent Pool, showcasing its commitment to nurturing in-house talent.
• For the first time in 2024, LTF participated in the Great Place to Work certification process and successfully earned certification, affirming its commitment to a positive workplace culture.

Conclusion

Leadership development for women is more than a corporate objective at L&T Finance; it is a commitment to empowering women to reach their full potential. Through flexible policies, dedicated maternity support, child care benefits, and thoughtful workplace accommodations, LTF enables women to pursue leadership roles while balancing personal and professional responsibilities. These efforts make LTF a more inclusive workplace and contribute to building a leadership team enriched by diverse perspectives and experiences.