United Breweries: How the company is promoting diversity and inclusion

Highlights

United Breweries is actively challenging stereotypes and embracing diversity and inclusivity in its workforce.
The company has launched a programme called “The QueenFishers: The Women Behind India’s Favourite Beer” to bring in more women employees.
The company has made infrastructure changes to accommodate women, including well-equipped facilities, crèche, and policies to support childcare.

United Breweries: How the company is promoting diversity and inclusion — Kavita Singh, Director – People, United Breweries

The alcohol beverage industry has witnessed a significant transformation with an increasing number of women in key roles such as brewers, distillers, bartenders, and entrepreneurs. United Breweries, one of the largest beer manufacturers in India, is actively promoting diversity and inclusion in its workforce.

In an exclusive interaction with ETHRWorld, Kavita Singh, Director – People, United Breweries, shared the company’s efforts to bring in more women employees and create a supportive work environment.

Singh highlighted that there are misconceptions about working in an alcohol beverage company, and the company aims to debunk these myths. United Breweries has implemented policies to ensure a safe and focused work environment, and it wants women employees to feel that working in the industry is as normal as any other manufacturing or FMCG company.

Making Women Brew!

United Breweries has significantly increased the diversity ratio with 18 percent women employees compared to 6 percent two years ago. The company has women working across various levels, including entry level, middle level, and senior level. It has launched a programme called “The QueenFishers: The Women Behind India’s Favourite Beer” to promote diversity and inclusion in the company.

The company has made infrastructure changes to support women, including well-equipped facilities, crèche, and policies for childcare support. It has also included women employees in traditionally male-dominated areas such as production, engineering, safety, and finance.

The company involves both men and women in driving change and has established a D&I Council to promote awareness and consciousness among employees. Singh emphasized the importance of training male colleagues to break biases and foster inclusivity.

When it comes to hiring, United Breweries focuses on equal participation and avoidance of biases. The company recruits individuals who are passionate about the business and have the required skill set. In the fiscal year 2022-23, 30 percent of the company’s new hires were women.

Talent Strategy for the Beer Manufacturer

United Breweries has a talent strategy that encompasses building, buying, and borrowing talent. The company introduces talent at the entry level and also engages in lateral hiring to make significant progress. About 25 percent of the company’s new talent comes from fresh campus recruitments, while the remaining 75 percent is hired laterally.

As of March 31, 2023, the company had 2,737 employees, with 18 percent women employees in the executive cohort. The employee turnover rate stood at around 22 percent in FY 2022-23, and the company estimates hiring 300 to 350 people in the future.

Learning & Development and Workplace for the Future

United Breweries focuses on enhancing the skills of its employees through various initiatives. The company follows a learning philosophy where 70 percent of learning occurs on the job. It provides extensive on-the-job training and offers mandatory and specialised training programmes.

The company has personalised development plans for its employees and provides access to global programmes and learning content through partnerships with renowned universities. The company offers flexibility in terms of work arrangements and has embraced technology in its working mechanism.

Overall, United Breweries is actively working towards promoting diversity and inclusivity and creating a supportive work environment for its employees.