Integrating women into the male-dominated automotive industry posed its challenges. However, MG Motor India has made substantial progress in striving for gender equality. It embarked on this mission at the Halol Plant in Gujarat from the ground up, initially aiming for a 30 per cent representation from women employees. As the hiring process began, MG Motor India observed the positive influence women had on the workplace, strengthening their dedication to this endeavor. Remarkably, all publicity for this initiative was solely through word of mouth. The first batch at the Halol plant comprised 20 women.
Financial Express Online recently visited the MG Motor India, Halol Plant in Gujarat. In an interaction with FE Online, Yeshwinder Patial, Senior Director of Human Resources, MG Motor India said, “it’s crucial for everyone, including men, to understand the intricacies of collaborating with women and to cultivate a workplace environment that values respect and harmony.”
“Offering flexibility to both mothers and fathers, allowing them to work from home as necessary, is essential. This empowers our employees to effectively balance their professional and personal responsibilities. Training sessions were conducted to teach effective communication techniques aimed at maintaining a gender-equal environment. Educating and sensitising the workforce, particularly male employees, on collaborating with women has become a top priority for MG Motor India,” Patial added.
For MG Motor India, employee experience matters equally with customer experience. Patial further stated, “from 2017 to 2024, the journey has been remarkable which witnessed a good jump of 36 per cent women workforce.” “The company focuses on gender diversity as a whole. Not only white collar (work in office) jobs, we need to look at blue collar (manual labour) jobs as well. For that, MG Motor India did a 80-90 km tour/survey to the entire Halol to take their opinion on employment in the auto industry.”
Year on year raw data of employee diversity
We have witnessed a significant increase in our women workforce over the years. Our workforce currently encompasses 37 per cent women, including leaders and shop floor employees. With our vision to empower women further, we are committed to increasing female representation to 50 per cent. The year-on-year data of women hires are as follows, this percentage is calculated as per the company strength during that time:
| Year | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Percentage | 28% | 30% | 32% | 37.5% | 34% | 37% |
Here are women employee experience at MG Motor India
Manisha from Body Shop (Body in White)
Manisha, who works in the Body Shop department of MG Motor India, Halol Plant, emphasised how important it is for her to pursue Mechanical Engineering and further work in the automobile sector. While narrating her experience in MG Motor India, she said that being working in the male-dominated auto industry is an achievement itself and the company provides equal opportunity for men and women. MG Motor India aims to harness the skills and expertise of talented women professionals.
Kalpana from Press Shop
Kalpana who works in the Press Shop of MG Motor India, Halol Plant, said that the company extends dedicated support and assistance to homemakers who haven’t previously worked outside the home, encouraging their entry into the company’s workforce. This initiative helped her work in the auto industry, which made her independent and now she can equally contribute for her family’s financial stability.
Another employee at MG Motor India, said “the company facilitates the re-entry of women into the workforce after extended career breaks through a comprehensive one-year training program. This initiative aims to bridge the gap and empower women who seek to restart their professional journeys.”
In 2019, MG Motor India initiated the ‘Drive Her Back’ campaign to offer women inclusive and equitable professional opportunities across different verticals within the brand. This endeavor seeks to leverage the skills and expertise of talented female professionals. They are onboarded through one-year contracts, with permanent absorption contingent upon their performance.
Expanding on the hiring strategy, Patial emphasised, “MG Motor India is committed to achieving equal representation of women across all functions, with plans to progressively increase the proportion of women in its workforce to 50 per cent in the upcoming years.” “The company has seen remarkable growth while maintaining gender diversity. Only last year 2023 experienced a drop of 3.3 per cent just because of work stability. In 2024, the women workforce currently encompasses 37 per cent.”
Women employees at MG Motor India receive training in a range of areas including personality development, lifestyle balance, working culture, and more. This customised approach not only prepares them for their roles at MG but also fosters personal growth.
