As some technology companies reassess their commitment to diversity and inclusion, TELUS Digital India stands out as a leader in fostering a progressive workplace culture, demonstrating that embracing diversity isn’t just the right thing to do, but a key driver of employee satisfaction and enhanced customer experiences.
The company’s commitment goes beyond conventional corporate policies, implementing groundbreaking initiatives that are reshaping the landscape, particularly for women in tech and digital customer experience roles.
“When our team members feel truly valued and seen, they bring their authentic selves to work,” explains Radhika Nijhawan, Vice President for Administrative Solutions at TELUS Digital India. “This authenticity isn’t just good for our people—it’s the cornerstone of our business success.
Empowering women through community
At the heart of TELUS Digital India’s diversity strategy lies the Connections Women’s Network, a thriving community that has expanded significantly, not just within India, but across TELUS Digital’s global sites. This employee resource group has evolved into a powerful platform where female professionals and their allies connect, mentor, and grow together.
The network recently hosted several International Women’s Day Forums and activities, directly addressing the challenges that women face in the tech industry. These events brought together women team members and their allies to foster year-round support and advocacy. Discussions ranged from navigating success in a traditionally male-dominated sector to the vital role of female leaders in mentoring the next generation, creating an open, solutions-driven dialogue about the real issues impacting women in the workplace.
Transforming lives through technology
One of TELUS Digital India’s initiatives is Project Samika, a revolutionary program that bridges the technological divide for women from economically disadvantaged communities.
This impact sourcing program has transformed the lives of young women from underserved communities through comprehensive tech training and career development. Project Samika’s success is evident in the seamless integration of the women into digital customer experience teams at TELUS Digital India, where they exceeded performance targets in data annotation and customer service. Some participants have even moved on to more complex roles in 2D annotation, RPA, tech support, and monitoring. This initiative not only empowers women with valuable skills but also demonstrates the untapped potential in underserved communities, creating a win-win situation for both the beneficiaries and TELUS Digital India.
“Project Samika isn’t just about providing skills—it’s about transforming lives,” shares Deepika Pillai, HR Senior Director at TELUS Digital India. “We’re witnessing women who never imagined a career in digital customer experience and technology become confident professionals, proving that talent knows no socioeconomic boundaries.”
Leading the AI revolution
TELUS Digital India is actively investing in AI skill development for all team members, with a particular focus on supporting female employees in building expertise in this evolving field.
“The AI revolution presents an unprecedented opportunity to level the playing field,” said Iftikar Ahmed, Senior Director for Operations. “We’re not just preparing our women team members for the future—we’re positioning them to lead it.”
The company’s innovative approach includes specialized AI training programs, leadership development workshops, and mentorship opportunities. This initiative reflects a broader understanding that technological advancement must go hand-in-hand with inclusive practices to create sustainable progress.
Creating lasting impact
These initiatives have had a measurable impact. The Connections Women’s Network has seen its membership surge, while Project Samika graduates are already making significant contributions to customer experience teams and more are set to join the program this year. More importantly, these programs have the potential to create a ripple effect in the industry and set new standards for how companies can approach diversity and inclusion.
“Through mentorship and career development, we’re not just building careers—we’re reshaping the future of the industry,” notes Ahmed. “When we empower women with technology skills and leadership opportunities, we create a more innovative, dynamic, and successful organization.”
As the technology sector continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, TELUS Digital India’s comprehensive approach to inclusion serves as a model for others in the industry. By creating an environment where diversity is not just welcomed but actively cultivated, the company is proving that the path to excellence in customer service begins with nurturing an inclusive workplace culture.
The message is clear: in the digital age, companies that champion diversity and inclusion aren’t just doing the right thing—they’re building the foundation for sustainable success in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
