Women play a crucial role in our business, and we are committed to fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

V. Senthilkumar
Managing Director, Propel Industries

How do you see the role of women evolving in the construction equipment industry?

The role of women in the construction equipment industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditionally a male-dominated sector, it is now witnessing greater female participation across various functions, including engineering, manufacturing, operations, sales, and leadership roles. Technological advancements, such as automation and digitalization, have reduced the dependency on physically intensive labour, making it easier for women to take on roles that were once considered unsuitable for them.

At Propel Industries, we recognize this shift and actively support the inclusion of women in our workforce. We believe that diversity in thought and skill enhances innovation, productivity, and overall business success. As more women enter the field, their contributions are helping redefine industry standards and create a more balanced and inclusive work environment.

What are the key challenges women face in this traditionally male-dominated sector?

Despite the positive changes, women still face several challenges in the construction equipment industry, including:

Limited representation: Women are still underrepresented in technical and leadership roles, making it difficult to find mentors and role models in the industry.

Workplace biases and stereotypes: Traditional perceptions about the industry being physically demanding and unsuitable for women persist, sometimes leading to unconscious biases in hiring and career progression.

Lack of flexible work policies: The industry often requires long working hours and frequent travel, which can make it challenging for women to maintain a work-life balance.

Fewer opportunities for technical training: Women may not always have access to specialized technical training, which can limit their ability to enter and grow in core operational roles.

To overcome these challenges, it is crucial for companies to implement targeted policies that foster inclusivity and provide women with the necessary support, training, and career growth opportunities.

What steps has your company taken to promote gender diversity and inclusivity in the workforce?

Women play a crucial role in our business, and we are committed to fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce. To improve the gender ratio, we actively identify positions where women can be seamlessly integrated, ensuring equal opportunities across various roles. Our talent acquisition team strategically plans the sourcing to attract and recruit female candidates, addressing any potential barriers to employment.

Understanding the unique challenges that women may face in balancing professional and personal responsibilities, we offer special leave policies to support them during critical life events and exigencies. This initiative helps create a supportive and flexible work environment, empowering women to excel in their careers without compromising their personal commitments.

Furthermore, to celebrate and recognize the contributions of our female employees, we organize special events during festivals, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents. These events foster camaraderie, boost morale, and offer well-deserved recognition through rewards and appreciation programs.

By implementing these measures, our company continuously strives to promote gender diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that women feel valued, empowered, and integral to our organization’s success.

Can you share details about any specific policies or programs aimed at recruiting, retaining, and upskilling women in your company? How do you address skill gaps and ensure equal career growth opportunities for women?

With respect to our policies, we are deeply committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace for women employees. As part of this commitment, we offer special leave policies tailored to address their unique needs, ensuring they have the flexibility to manage personal and professional responsibilities seamlessly. Additionally, we prioritize creating a safe, secure, and empowering work environment where women feel valued and respected.

Our organization strongly believes in enhancing gender diversity, and we actively work towards maximizing the representation of women in our workforce. During our hiring and sourcing processes, we consistently seek opportunities to recruit and onboard talented women professionals, ensuring they have equal access to career growth and development.

To bridge any skill gaps and facilitate career progression, we provide targeted training programs designed specifically for women employees. 

How does your company provide special training programs or mentorship initiatives to encourage women’s participation in construction equipment operations, engineering, or manufacturing?

Propel Industries actively promotes women’s participation in construction equipment operations, engineering, and manufacturing through specialized training programs, mentorship initiatives, and inclusive policies. we recognize the importance of overall well-being, which is why we offer specialized soft skill training sessions, including yoga, stress management, and work-life balance coaching The company provides technical and on-the-job training to equip women with hands-on experience in machinery operations and maintenance.

Mentorship programs to support career growth and leadership development. Propel fosters diversity by ensuring equal opportunities in hiring, promotions, and skill-based assignments. Collaborations with educational institutions encourage women to explore careers in engineering and manufacturing, while awareness campaigns highlight success stories in the industry.   These initiatives reflect Propel’s commitment to empowering women in the construction and heavy equipment sector.

What measures have you implemented to ensure a safe and inclusive workplace for women?

At Propel Industries, we adhere to the POSH regulations by establishing a dedicated Internal Complaints Committee, as mandated by law. This committee comprises of major representation from women employees and an external legal expert to provide specialized support. We actively promote awareness among all employees, both men and women, about appropriate workplace behaviour and have widely disseminated our POSH policy across the organization.

Our female employees are empowered to express their opinions and support their colleagues, fostering a sense of camaraderie across departments. We engage them in activities designed to break down barriers and build confidence, helping them advance in their careers.

What more can the industry do to encourage greater participation of women in the construction equipment sector?

Beyond recruitment, companies and institutions should design benefits and perks that go beyond conventional compensation packages. These should be strategically crafted to attract, retain, and nurture female talent. Policies such as extended maternity and childcare support, flexible work arrangements, mentorship programs, leadership development opportunities, and wellness initiatives can significantly contribute to a more balanced and supportive work environment for women professionals.

What are your recommendations for policymakers, industry leaders, and educational institutions to create a more inclusive workforce?

To build a truly inclusive workforce, policymakers, industry leaders, and educational institutions must collaborate to explore and implement every possible avenue for hiring, integrating, and empowering women in the workplace. It is essential not only to create employment opportunities for women but also to ensure that the work environment is conducive to their growth, success, and long-term career aspirations. Organizations should actively foster a culture of inclusivity, where women feel valued, supported, and encouraged to excel in their respective fields.