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August 22, 2023
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In today’s fast-paced corporate world, women often juggle work demands, personal responsibilities, family roles, and community expectations, making it a challenging yet remarkable balancing act. Recognising these dynamics, HSBC Global Service Centre (GSC), Sri Lanka has positioned itself as a leader in organisational inclusivity and employee development. They have pioneered a comprehensive suite of initiatives that not only acknowledge the unique challenges women face but actively transform them into opportunities for personal and professional growth.
With a workforce of over 2,700 employees, nearly 50% of whom are women, GSC Sri Lanka has created a workplace where ambition and caregiving coexist. The organisation has emerged as a role model, demonstrating that companies can and must actively support women’s journeys throughout their lives and careers.
“We take pride that 50% of our workforce and 40% of our senior leaders are female, and we’re prouder of the supportive environment that has made this possible. Empowering women to grow and thrive whilst elevating the whole organisation – that’s not just about inclusion; it reflects our values and leadership.“
Shiraz Sheriff – Centre Director, GSC Colombo.
At HSBC GSC Sri Lanka, empowering women for success is not an optional initiative but an integral part of the company’s strategic DNA. The organisation understands that talent development goes beyond routine training sessions. Instead, it focuses on fostering long-term capability building, leadership grooming, and confidence development.
To achieve this, GSC Sri Lanka has introduced a suite of groundbreaking initiatives designed to help female employees grow while accommodating the complexities of modern life. The core of this effort lies in learning accessibility, flexibility, and mentorship, coupled with structural policies that create a stable foundation for career progression.
For many women, particularly those juggling caregiving responsibilities with a career, finding time for upskilling can be a daunting task. To address this challenge, HSBC GSC Sri Lanka has introduced a concept – “University Brought to Home.”
This initiative empowers female employees, particularly mid-career professionals and new mothers, to pursue their learning journeys at their own pace and schedule. Through strategic partnerships with renowned global institutions such as Oxford University, Harvard Business School, and LinkedIn Learning, the company offers access to over 6,000 curated courses spanning diverse domains.
These courses cover critical and emerging topics, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Financial Technology (FinTech), Project Management, Inclusive Leadership, Communication and Emotional Intelligence.
By equipping women with both hard and soft skills, these resources empower them to excel in their roles, not just to survive but to thrive. Whether they’re preparing for leadership positions or transitioning back to work after maternity leave, these resources help maintain career momentum without compromising personal and professional priorities.
In addition to the comprehensive e-learning platform, all employees also have access to getAbstract, a powerful knowledge platform that summarises more than 20,000 business books and articles. This further underscore the company’s commitment to lifelong learning and practical development.
While e-learning provides knowledge, mentorship accelerates growth. HSBC GSC Sri Lanka’s Headway Program plays a crucial role in sustaining the female leadership pipeline. This region-wide initiative connects aspiring women leaders with senior executives across departments and geographies, offering them mentorship, guidance, and strategic career advice.
The Headway Program goes beyond traditional mentorship, offering a structured, impactful, and carefully curated approach. Mentors serve as both career advisors and advocates, opening doors to opportunities and helping mentees navigate the unspoken rules of leadership. This dynamic exchange enhances visibility, boosts confidence, and sets the stage for long-term leadership development.
The program’s effectiveness is evident in the tangible results. Today, 40% of GSC Sri Lanka’s senior managers are women, a remarkable statistic that reflects the program’s impact and the company’s deep investment in its female talent.
Career development can only happen when the work environment supports the whole individual, not just the professional. HSBC GSC Sri Lanka has implemented structural policies that reflect empathy, foresight, and a commitment to equality.
The extended maternity leave and flexibility programme recognises the critical transition period of motherhood, the company has extended its maternity leave policy to 200 days—regarded as one of the most generous within the industry. Post-maternity, women have the option to work from home for a year, allowing them to stay professionally active while adjusting to their new role as mothers.
Furthermore, returning mothers receive an additional allowance for each child, helping to ease the financial burden of caregiving and childcare. The office is equipped with dedicated mother’s rooms, providing privacy and comfort to new and pregnant mothers.
The safety and hygiene measures support women working late-night, or early-morning shifts by providing transportation and security escorts, ensuring they return home safely. The company also supplies menstrual pads, acknowledging a basic but essential hygiene need that is often overlooked in many workplaces.
The inclusive committees and representation ensure that women’s perspectives are integral to organisational decision-making. It mandates female representation in internal and external committees, which enriches diverse viewpoints.
HSBC GSC Sri Lanka fearlessly addresses topics often considered taboo, particularly those that disproportionately affect women. The launch of a Menopause Awareness Program marks a significant step in promoting health literacy and destigmatising the physical and emotional transitions women experience in their 50s.
Furthermore, the company has established a dedicated Employee Assistance Program (EAP) specifically tailored for women providing support 24×7. This EAP goes beyond personal and mental well-being, seamlessly integrating women to achieve desired career goals.
While policies, programs, and tools are crucial, culture serves as the foundation that holds them all together. HSBC GSC Sri Lanka’s culture is characterised by respect, empowerment, and continuous evolution. Every initiative is underpinned by the belief that women can achieve ambition and life’s other responsibilities simultaneously, and the organisation will support them every step of the way.
In a world where workplace equality continues to evolve, HSBC GSC Sri Lanka stands as a shining example of what is achievable when strategy meets compassion. Through its meticulously crafted inclusive ecosystem, which seamlessly integrates learning, mentorship, flexibility, and representation, GSC Sri Lanka is not merely supporting women; it is elevating them to new heights.
By transforming traditional constraints into launchpads for leadership, GSC Sri Lanka has created an environment where women can thrive, lead, and leave a lasting legacy. It’s not just about filling quotas or ticking boxes; it’s about nurturing talent, embracing ambition, and celebrating every milestone along the journey.
HSBC GSC Sri Lanka is demonstrating that empowering women for growth is not only beneficial for business but also an investment in a more inclusive and prosperous future. With every mother returning from maternity leave eager to resume her leadership roles, every woman logging into Harvard classes after tucking her children into bed, and every mentee-turned-leader charting new paths, the company is proving its commitment to nurturing women’s potential.
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