In keeping with its commitment to being an employer of choice and incorporating progressive HR practices, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has introduced new initiatives to make the company even more women-friendly than before. The media conglomerate recently announced a very favorable amendment to its maternity leave policy with an increase in the quantum of paid maternity leave, coupled with additional benefits for new and expectant mothers in the company. This maternity policy will benefit women employees in the event of childbirth, surrogacy or adoption, while employed with the company.

• Mother’s room with refrigerator for storing and pumping milk                                                                                                                                                                     
• Paternity leave for 5 days or 84 days for single male parent

The duration of paid leave that can be availed for maternity has been increased from 12 weeks to 6 months (180 calendar days). The maternity leave period may start from up to 6 weeks prior to the expected date of delivery and in the case of adoption or surrogacy; it starts from the date of adoption or surrogacy delivery date. To ensure that expectant and new mothers are taken special care of while working at the office premises, expectant mothers who self-drive, are given priority parking at office locations in Mumbai, Gurgaon and Bengaluru.

The welfare of its employees is of utmost priority to the organization and to make sure that a new mother’s return to the work environment is smooth, SPN has made special provision for a Mothers Room, where a new mother can pump and store milk for her baby while at work. The room is equipped with a refrigerator and has all other necessary amenities to maintain hygiene. SPN’s ratio of female employees to the overall employee population was at 32.2% during the last fiscal year (2015-16). The company has always aimed to empower its women employees and nurture high potential female leaders in the organization, and is committed to maintaining a flexible work environment for its women employees.

The company also has a paternity policy applicable for its male employees for a period of 5 working days or 84 calendar days in case of a single male parent (in the case of adoption).

SPN also offers several attractive health and wellness benefits for all its employees. There is a Doctor’s Room in the office premises with a doctor on call twice a week. Employees can access the doctor for free consultations as the Doctor’s fees are paid by SPN. The Company also implements several wellness initiatives throughout the year. Some examples include Stepathalon, Mixed Martial Arts for women, Desktop Yoga and flexible annual health checkups

based on individual needs. The Company has a cricket team which participates in various corporate cricket tournaments. It also encourages employee participation in various sporting events including local city Marathons.

SPN was ranked amongst the top 3 organizations in Corporate India on health and wellness and was the recipient of the SHRM award in 2015 This award, co-curated by SHRM and Chestnut Global Partners (CGP), recognizes India’s top 10 companies that understand the linkage of employee health initiatives to business productivity and results. Health and wellness is one of the key levers in SPN’s overall employee engagement strategy and these initiatives coupled with other engagement initiatives have positioned SPN as an employer of choice, resulting in high employee engagement survey scores and an enviable voluntary attrition rate.

NP Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), says “We are proud of our work culture and practices that encourage and foster diversity. It is our constant endeavor to be an organization which takes care of its people and provides a conducive environment which inspires them to realize their full potential. Women form an integral part of our workforce. Our policies are geared towards encouraging women at SPN to develop their careers and essay leadership roles while playing a key part in supporting their families.”

Smriti K Singh, CHRO for SPN says “Talent, culture and engagement are key elements of our people philosophy. At SPN, we recognize that when employees develop a strong connect with the organization, they contribute more, which positively impacts business results. We take a holistic approach to engagement and are continuously evolving our initiatives to attract, develop and retain the best talent.”