Empowering Working Mothers: BALCO’s remarkable people practices

• “Fostering Work-Life Balance in Manufacturing”

Mother’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the incredible women world over, who effortlessly manage their work responsibilities while also acing the equally grueling commitments of motherhood. In the complex, rapidly evolving world of manufacturing, working mothers have conventionally faced several hurdles in balancing both their professional and familial responsibilities. However, Bharat Aluminum Company (BALCO) stands out as an outstanding example of an organization that understands and addresses the needs of its working mothers, creating a positive and conducive working environment and empowering these invincible women to thrive on any career path they choose to tread.

BALCO embraces a holistic approach towards supporting working mothers. Recognizing the importance of access to reliable childcare, BALCO provides crèche facilities for female employees with infants aged 0-7 years. These facilities offer a safe and nurturing environment, staffed by dedicated caretakers who provide holistic care and stimulating activities for the children. With the assurance that their little ones are well taken care of, working mothers can focus on their professional responsibilities with greater peace of mind.

Healthcare is a priority at BALCO, providing access to top-notch hospitals and medical facilities, including a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and renowned gynecologists. Additionally, mothers returning to work after maternity leave can take 80 minutes of workday breaks to address personal and caregiving needs while also maintaining work-life balance. BALCO’s holistic support extends to infrastructure facilities like a children’s park, gym, and DPS school, fostering a sense of community and enabling the growth of both employees and their children.

Apart from these, BALCO also offers a standard maternity leave of six months, providing paid time off for bonding with newborns and adjusting to new roles. This paid leave not only offers financial stability but also contributes to reducing stress. Additionally, for subsequent children, mothers receive an extended period of three months of paid leave. In terms of safety, BALCO ensures working mothers on night shifts have secure pick-up and drop-off facilities, prioritizing their well-being and allowing them to focus on their work without worries.

Sharing his thoughts on Mother’s Day, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director, BALCO said, “At BALCO, we pride ourselves on our commitment to both business excellence and creating an inclusive workplace where every individual can thrive. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to every aspect of our operations, and we continue to strive for continuous improvement in creating a workplace where everyone can thrive and excel. Together, we are building a culture of equality, where the potential of every individual is recognized and nurtured. I am proud of the positive impact our HR policies have on our employees, particularly working mothers, and I am inspired by their resilience and dedication. By embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment, we have built a strong foundation for sustained growth and success. At BALCO, we firmly believe that when everyone feels valued and empowered, our business thrives, and we create a better future for all.”

BALCO employee Pushpanjali Chouhan, Assistant Manager, Security shared ” The provision of Paid Maternity Leave is a highly beneficial policy for new mothers like me. Financial stability was a top priority as me and my husband settled in Korba away from our hometown. Thanks to this policy, I was able to dedicate a significant amount of time to my newborn and also receive emotional, mental, physical, and financial security”

Her colleague at BALCO, Divya Tiwari, Associate Manager, Business Excellence added “As a mother, facilities such as BALCO’s Creche allow me to take scheduled breaks each day and spend sufficient time with my 2-year-old son. This is a very considerate policy that enables me to cherish my role as a mother while also pursuing my career. Moreover, BALCO also offers stress management workshops that support women, especially working mothers like us in managing the pressure that arises from having to balance our responsibilities at home and work, thereby maintaining a good work-life balance.”

By recognizing the continued value addition that these employees provide and creating a conducive work environment for them to thrive, BALCO sets a commendable example for other organizations. Through their efforts, BALCO enhances the lives of working mothers while contributing to the overall growth and success of the organization.

Recently, BALCO was conferred with the prestigious ‘Happiest Workplace Award 2022’ by Happy+ and Business World and has previously also been recognized with awards such as Arogya World Healthy Workplace Award – 2022 and Great Place to Work – 2023.