Diversity and Inclusion are an integral part of Nestlé’s culture. On this International Women’s Day, we reiterate our commitment in creating opportunities for women to succeed at workplace.
At Nestlé Pakistan, our company policies are designed for women to navigate through life with a family and a career, because we believe that an equal world is an enabled world. From Day Care facility; maternity leave; transport facility; dedicated breast-feeding rooms; hostel facility; flexible working hour’s option; gender balance and unconscious bias training and mentoring and coaching for women, we ensure that women in our organization have the support that they need to excel in their careers.
In-house Daycare Facility
Our on-site daycare facilities at our main sites enable our new mothers and fathers to be as close to their children, right here at work. For Anam Asif, Team Lead Dairy & Juice Sheikhupura Factory, daycare facility is an extension of her home.
“When I was expecting my child, I had no idea how challenging motherhood could be emotionally. Juggling motherhood can come with many firsts. The first time your child laughs, the first time they catch a fever, or the first time they take a step. Nestlé’s daycare facilities were the answer to all my worries and anxiety. With daycare and trained staff available in our office, I am never too far away from my son, and can simply walk over to see him at any point of the day.”
Nestlé Maternity Leave
Nestlé Maternity Leave grants all women a minimum of 6 months’ maternity leave. It extends beyond child birth and encourages women to breastfeed up to 2 years.
Saba Tahir, Insurance Manager, had her apprehensions when she was expecting. “Working moms benefit greatly and achieve the most out of their work if managers and organizational culture support them in all aspects of their life, at home and at work. I had my apprehensions, until I spoke to my HRBP and told him that I was expecting. He brought the Nestlé Maternity Leave policy to my attention and explained the facilities that were there to support me. Starting from paid maternity leave to flexi hours and work-from-home options, I can also avail daycare and switch my work station closer to my child. The organization has been very supportive during both my pregnancies and I am highly grateful to them. Strategizing my maternity return at Nestlé was effortless and unique. To other new moms I would say, it is possible to raise children with confidence while succeeding at work.”
Transport Facility
Women in our society usually face difficulty finding safe travel option. To ensure that we are truly #EachForEqual, we provide employees with transport to and from meetings and site visits, as well as pick and drop to and from work. We do this to ensure that nothing stands in the way of young women entering the world of work.
Sobia Naheed, Zonal Milk Collection Manager, Agriculture Services uses the pick and drop facility for her daily commute: “In Pakistan, starting a career for women can come with a lot of obstacles. Whilst my parents were supportive of a prospective career, I did not have my own car to commute. When applying in Nestlé, I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the transport facilities that have not only put me at ease, but also eased the worries of my family. I was reassured that the culture within Nestlé Pakistan would be the perfect fit for me”.
Breast Feeding Rooms
Our Offices provide a conducive environment to support breastfeeding and is being strictly implemented across our workplaces. Maryam Khalid, Assistant Manager Public Affairs who uses a dedicated breast-feeding room for her son says, “Nestlé enables me to breastfeed my infant during working hours. This is a great example of how women are empowered at their workplaces to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives. These breast-feeding rooms are purpose built and well furnished with all the essential requirements for moms and babies both. The dedicated room facilities allow my son to feel healthy, happy and cared for. I am convinced that the stereotypes and bias against career women with families is entirely wrong”.”
Hostel Facilities at Sites
Nestlé Pakistan provides hostel facilities at our main factories.
Mahrukh Mahmood, Production Planner Infant Nutrition, Sheikhupura Factory, tells us about her experience:
“Getting an opportunity at Nestlé was like a dream come true, but at the same time leaving my hometown felt like a nightmare, initially. However, the generous hospitality I receive at the on-site accommodation has enabled me to enjoy the factory life to the fullest. At Nestlé, I found a home away from home.”
Flexible Working Hours
Sidra Ehsan, NCE & SHE Manager, Port Qasim Factory, highlights the importance of working flexible hours, “As a woman, I want to set an example to show the next generation that having a career is important. At the same time however, I didn’t feel I could work full-time yet. When I discussed with my line manager, I remember the overwhelming sense of support I felt. I feel a sense of pride to be affiliated with an organization that values my work enough, to give me freedom over my work arrangements. I don’t have to compromise on something I want for myself, without sacrificing the time I need to be at home to support my family”.
As women continue to defy stereotypes and gender bias, we renew our commitment to ensure that we work with them in this endeavor. We will continue to ensure our policies reflect the ability to create a gender-neutral environment at work, so that Nestlé is and will continue to be #EachForEqual.
In 2017, Nestlé Pakistan signed the CEO Statement of Support for the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs), signaling the support for gender equality and the guidance provided by the principles. WEP is a set of considerations to help businesses, like Nestlé, achieve key elements which are imperative to ensure gender equality at workplace.
Nestlé Pakistan is committed to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5, Gender Equality and 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth.
In commitment with
