In an interview with Today’s Traveller, Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President, Human Resources at IHCL, emphasized the growing importance of DEI in the industry and the need for Championing Affirmative Action for Economic Empowerment.
The hospitality and tourism industry has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s economy, contributing more than $231 billion to the nation’s GDP in 2023.
As the sector continues to expand, the need for a more inclusive and diverse workforce is becoming a pressing priority, with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at the forefront of organizational success.
In an interview, Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President, Human Resources at Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), emphasized the growing importance of DEI in the industry. “As the hospitality sector evolves, fostering an inclusive culture and ensuring equitable opportunities for all employees has become a critical factor for success,” said Pokhariyal. “Our goal at IHCL is to lead by example, promoting affirmative action to increase opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups.”
Affirmative action plays a crucial role in this landscape, designed to create more avenues for marginalized communities. “At IHCL, we are deeply committed to our social responsibility,” Pokhariyal added. “By integrating affirmative action into our hiring practices, we not only contribute to the economic empowerment of underserved groups but also strengthen our organization with diverse perspectives.”
Pokhariyal highlighted the company’s consistent efforts to uphold these values, underscoring the company’s leadership in driving meaningful change. “Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just a policy; it is embedded in the core of our operations,” he noted.
As India’s hospitality industry continues to grow, the emphasis on DEI and affirmative action is expected to shape its future, positioning companies like IHCL as leaders in both economic contribution and social progress.
Catalysing Inclusion: IHCL Embraces Growing Trend in Diversity Hiring, Aims for Inclusive Workforce by 2025
India has witnessed a remarkable 33% year-on-year increase in diversity hiring as of June 2024, according to talent platform Foundit. This surge reflects the growing corporate commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) policies across industries. Leading the charge in the hospitality sector, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has embraced this trend as both an opportunity and a responsibility.
“We recognize the importance of creating a truly inclusive workforce at IHCL,” said Pokhariyal. “The surge in diversity hiring across India presents a pivotal moment for companies like ours to take meaningful action. We have integrated DE&I into every facet of our operations, with a special emphasis on Persons with Disabilities and members of the SC and ST communities.”
IHCL’s commitment to DE&I is backed by several key initiatives. The DIWA program, for instance, focuses on providing skilling and employment opportunities for women from underserved communities. “Through DIWA, we are empowering women from marginalized backgrounds with the skills and resources to thrive in the hospitality industry,” Pokhariyal explained. Another initiative, NewGenderation, aims to promote equity for all, ensuring that every employee has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of gender.
Under its broader framework, ‘She Remains the Taj,’ IHCL has set an ambitious target of increasing women’s participation in its workforce to 25% by 2025.
“Our vision is to foster an environment where women can excel and contribute significantly to the industry. We believe this goal not only strengthens our organization but also reflects our responsibility towards a more equitable society,” added Pokhariyal.
With such initiatives, IHCL is not only contributing to the national trend of diversity hiring but also setting a benchmark in the hospitality sector for inclusive and equitable growth.
Bridging the Skill Gap: IHCL Focuses on Skilling as Hospitality Industry’s Workforce Demand Rises
With the hospitality landscape evolving, the demand for specialized skills has become a critical challenge for the industry. In 2023, the tourism and hospitality sector employed approximately 11.1 million people in India, a number expected to rise to 11.8 million by 2024. This sharp growth highlights the sector’s need for a highly skilled workforce to meet its expanding demands.
Recognizing this, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has made skilling a central focus of its expansion strategy. “As the industry grows, so does the need for skilled professionals who can keep pace with the evolving demands of the hospitality sector,” said Pokhariyal.
He added, “We are committed to addressing this need by establishing 35 skill centres across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, which not only enhance employability but also build capacity for aspiring entrepreneurs.”
Pokhariyal emphasized that these emerging markets represent untapped potential within India’s growth landscape. “By focusing on local talent and regional expertise, we can harness the resources needed to meet the industry’s growing demand. Our collaboration with local authorities and community leaders plays a key role in this effort,” he noted.
IHCL aims to equip 100,000 individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the hospitality industry by 2030, a goal that aligns with the company’s broader mission to promote sustainable growth. “We believe that skilling is not just an investment in individuals, but in the future of the industry itself. By empowering local communities, we are ensuring the long-term success of both IHCL and the Indian hospitality sector,” Pokhariyal added.
As the industry continues its upward trajectory, IHCL’s proactive approach to skilling is set to position the company as a leader in fostering a well-equipped, future-ready workforce.
Promoting Entrepreneurship and Affirmative Action for Marginalized Communities
Entrepreneurship is emerging as a powerful tool for economic empowerment, particularly in marginalized communities. Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has taken a proactive approach to fostering entrepreneurship among SC/ST communities, women, and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), with a commitment to nurturing local talent and preserving traditional arts through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.
“At IHCL, we believe in the potential of entrepreneurship to drive economic empowerment, especially for communities that have historically faced systemic inequalities,” explained Pokhariyal, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Human Resources at IHCL. “Our CSR initiatives focus on supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs, helping them build sustainable businesses while preserving traditional arts.”
IHCL has taken significant steps to procure items from traditional artisans, small-scale farmers, cancer patient foundations, women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), differently-abled individuals, and enterprises owned by backward castes and tribes. “For instance, at our Corbett property, we collaborated with local women’s groups to co-develop tableware inspired by local traditions, made from munj grass,” Pokhariyal shared.
Another standout initiative is the Varanasi Handloom Weavers Support Program, which has empowered women weavers from low socio-economic backgrounds for over 15 years. “By directly engaging families in the weaving of Banarasi Sarees for IHCL uniforms and cutting out middlemen, we are not only preserving the dying art of Banarasi Saree weaving but also ensuring higher wages and better remuneration for the weavers,” said Pokhariyal.
This initiative not only preserves traditional skills but also strengthens local economies. The vendor network continues to engage with IHCL and has expanded to scale and diversify its businesses.
Pokhariyal also highlighted the role of affirmative action in fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the hospitality sector. “Affirmative action is a crucial tool for addressing systemic inequalities and creating opportunities for marginalized communities. By leading the way, the hospitality industry can contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable India.”
Through its focus on entrepreneurship, affirmative action, and support for local artisans, IHCL is not only promoting social equity but also playing a key role in shaping a more just and inclusive hospitality industry.
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