Mumbai: Axis Bank has launched a new talent acquisition programme that would tap individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community from any college campus in India for grooming them for a career in banking.
The ‘ARISE ComeAsYouAre’ open campus programme is focused on skills-based hiring that prioritises skill set and potential of an individual over traditional factors such as a specific degree or college pedigree, the private lender said in a release.
“Fresh graduates and professionals with up to 5 years of experience will get an equal opportunity to launch their career in a dynamic and inclusive environment that focuses on their skills, potential, and fresh perspective. It will also provide them with ample learning opportunities to help develop their skills and knowledge of the banking sector,” according to the bank.
Rajkamal Vempati, president and head, human resources, Axis Bank said, “We have put our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion that respects and recognises the importance of distinctive life journeys and varied identities that extend beyond the paradigms of gender. This for us is as much about the invisible markers as it is about the visible ones. It is our belief that it fosters a culture of innovation and leverages the multiple talent pools that exist in a rich demography like ours.”
The latest initiative follows Axis Bank announcing in 2021 a charter of policies and practices for employees and customers from the LGBTQIA+ community. It invited same sex partners to open joint savings accounts and/or term deposits, list each other as nominees and gave the option of adding the honorific Mx for customers of varied genders.
In 2022, the bank partnered with Tata AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd for offering group medicare products for LGBTQIA+ customers.
Harish Iyer, SVP & Head-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Axis Bank, said, “We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce with fresh perspectives can be a breeding ground for innovation. This initiative brings together talented minds from different backgrounds to shape the future of banking.”
“It focuses on skills and potential over traditional backgrounds and allows us to tap into a broader range of ideas and approaches. It is crucial to have a well-defined evaluation process that minimizes bias and ensures fair assessment of all candidates regardless of their background,” said Iyer.
