Building a Diverse Workforce in the Electric Vehicle Industry

India announced an investment of $ 4.3 billion in the clean energy space for the year 2023. Major investments are being pumped into various initiatives and electric mobility is one such area which has shown phenomenal annual growth. The rapid growth in the Indian EV (Electric Vehicles) industry has led Indian EV players to acquire efficient manpower to drive the sector. It is anticipated that the Indian EV industry will create 10 million direct and 50 million indirect jobs by 2030. For the Indian EV industry to grow to its full potential, it will require skilled human resources with capabilities to innovate and think critically. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to surge, so does the need for a diverse range of skilled professionals in the industry.

Overview

The EV industry is providing job opportunities for women and giving gender equality a boost. Even as they pursue goals such as carbon neutrality, several of the industry’s reputed players anticipate working with more women. Automobile manufacturers are expecting that 50% of the workforce will be constituted of women by 2023. 

To achieve diversity at the workplace, companies need to have a multi-pronged approach:

• Skill Building: In order to build a diverse, industry-ready workforce, it is important to work with academia and build the requisite skill set. Automotive companies are working with academic institutions to develop programs that develop and hone the skill sets of students and introduce them to the latest technological advancements in the world of automobiles. Many women’s colleges are a part of such initiatives. EVs have also created a surge in demand for STEM professionals, opening opportunities for women in under-represented fields. Companies in the EV sector are actively recruiting and empowering women, promoting gender equality and driving innovation. The continued growth of the EV industry will further increase the need for women in STEM positions, advancing gender parity and diversity in these vital sectors.
• Recruitment: EV automotive companies follow recruitment parameters that balance gender and generational parity to create diversity. In addition to this, they are including talent from across sectors and not limited to automobiles alone.
• Sensitization: Companies must ensure that consistent programs are held to sensitize workforce in an organization to be accepting and welcoming of a diverse workforce. This must include awareness, myth-busting and enforcing inclusive behavioural protocol.
• Supportive work environments: Most new-age EV companies have begun to prioritize gender equality through various initiatives like inclusive policies, equal pay practices for all genders, flexible work arrangements and creating a supportive environment. These efforts have begun to bear fruit and have resulted in attracting and retaining female talent and promoting representation and diversity. 
• Entrepreneurial opportunities: The rise of electric vehicles has given rise to entrepreneurial opportunity for women. Since there is a growing demand for EV charging stations, maintenance services and relative businesses, it is providing women with the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the EV ecosystem and become financially independent.

The auto industry is considered a sector that is mostly dominated by the male presence. However, of late, women are increasingly joining the industry especially in the electric mobility business. Different EV companies like Kinetic Green, Mahindra Electric Mobility, Convergence Energy Services Limited, OBEN Electric Vehicle and Ampere Vehicles have women in top management positions. Since the EV industry is more electric, electronic, and less mechanical in nature, it draws more women into such roles.

Companies like MG Motors India are targeting about 50% of women employees in their workforce by 2023 and auto giant Tata Motors has more than 3000 women operating on the shopfloor across all its plants. Recently the firm commissioned an all-women assembly line at its manufacturing facility in Pune employing 1500 women professionals.

Among the many issues that have been impeding women’s growth in EV workplaces are gender-blind workplace practices, lack of clean and gender-friendly restrooms and safe parking spaces. Other issues like lack of work-life balance, unfair treatment at work, lack of pay parity between genders and non-preference for promotion are a few challenges that women face in the EV industry.

Diversity refers to the practice of having different people on the same platform. The differences could be gender, identities, races or orientations. It is important to recognize that diversity means being truly inclusive and recruiting people with different physical abilities, ages and from various social classes to all levels of leadership and is an important quality of a diverse workplace. It is important to mentor people and promote people from within the local communities and value them for their hard work. Companies should also commit to build a portfolio of vendors that include minority owned businesses. A truly diverse workplace is one that values its members for who they are.

Summary

Inclusive government and industry policies have played an important role in opening new opportunities for women in the EV labour force. Government policies like POSH, fair compensation and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) have played a critical role in not just women’s empowerment but in supporting communities with low representation and recognition. When everyone is included, everyone benefits. 

People Also Ask

1.  What are the key factors for success in the electric vehicle industry?

In the electrifying domain of auto expanse, attaining victory hinges on a triumvirate of paramount elements:

• Pioneering Ingenuity: The ceaseless evolution of accumulator craftsmanship, infrastructural charging nuances, and electronic tractions stand as pivotal linchpins for augmenting scope, prowess, and accessibility.
• Sovereign Patronage: The benevolent edicts, incentives, and stipulations render an eminent role in the exaltation of electric chariots (referred to as EVs), by fomenting endorsement and infusion of resources in the trade.
• Public Embrace: The all-pervasive welcome and felicitous perception of electric carriages by denizens emerge as indispensable propellants for fostering exigency and burgeon of the bazaar.

2. What are the trends in the electric vehicle industry?

In the current epoch of the automotive realm, myriad trends are surfacing in the domain of electric vehicles (EVs):

• Escalating Embrace: A burgeoning multitude is progressively adopting the electric conveyances, owing to burgeoning ecological cognizance and innovative technological advancements.
• Diversified Model Array: Automotive manufacturers are unveiling a profuse repertoire of EV models, encompassing SUVs, trucks, and opulent automobiles, to cater to the manifold proclivities of consumers.

3. What are the benefits of electric vehicles in India?

• Let’s dive into the fascinating world of electric vehicles in India! These babies come with some amazing advantages:
• To start off, the environment is totally beaming with joy when these EVs are around. They work their magic in slashing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, making the air we breathe all fresh and pristine.
• And guess what? Your wallet will be all smiles too! With electric vehicles, you get to save big on fuel and maintenance expenses. It’s like a little treat for your bank account, giving it a well-deserved break.
• So, there you have it – electric vehicles in India are like superheroes for the planet and your pocket! It’s a win-win situation for everyone!