The landscape of women's participation in the Indian workforce is undergoing a subtle yet significant transformation. A gradual shift in mindset is becoming apparent, with organisations increasingly recognising the imperative of creating safer, more inclusive work environments. However, the journey towards true equality and security for women in the workplace is far from complete. At the heart of this issue lies a fundamental need for a deeper change in societal beliefs—beyond just policy reforms.

The Women in India Inc. (WIIn) report underscores this complex reality, revealing that 44 percent of managers still identify transportation and safety concerns as significant obstacles to recruiting more women in their organisations. This statistic serves as a stark reminder that despite progress, substantial challenges remain. As more women navigate demanding roles across industries, the need for safer workspaces and secure commuting options has become increasingly urgent, pushing the boundaries of what was once considered standard practice.

The evolving landscape presents a dichotomy: on one hand, there's a growing awareness and willingness to address women's safety concerns; on the other, the persistence of such concerns highlights the considerable work that lies ahead. Long work hours and travel through bustling urban areas continue to present unique challenges and security concerns, compelling organisations and commercial real estate (CRE) players to critically reassess and reinvent their approach to safety.

In response to these challenges, forward-thinking commercial real estate players are spearheading initiatives that go beyond basic security measures, signaling a shift towards more comprehensive and thoughtful solutions. From forging strategic partnerships with trusted cab services to ensuring well-lit, closely monitored office premises, they are taking bold steps to enhance women's safety both inside office premises and during commutes. These concerted efforts aim to mitigate concerns about traveling late at night or through isolated routes, offering an elevated hassle-free experience to women professionals.

Ensuring safe commute initiatives for women

Partnerships with Trusted Cab Aggregators: One of the most significant steps taken by CRE firms is partnering with trusted cab aggregators such as Uber/Ola to provide women with safe and premium transportation options. By collaborating with travel companies that offer vetted drivers, GPS tracking, and live safety monitoring, these partnerships ensure women can travel to and from work without fear. Leading the way in innovative initiatives, several campuses have begun collaborating with trusted cab aggregators like Uber to enhance transportation solutions for their communities. Many office campuses have set up exclusive tie-ups with ride-hailing services that operate within the campus too, offering door-to-door transport options and last-mile connectivity for employees.

These mobility services are not just about convenience — they are about creating a safety net for women.

Features such as panic buttons, in-app emergency services, and immediate access to customer support are built into the commuting experience, offering a sense of security. Additionally, some companies have negotiated special rates or subsidies for employees to encourage the use of these trusted transport services, making safe and reliable commuting more accessible. 

Women-Only Shuttle Services and Safe Zones: Beyond cab partnerships, several firms have introduced women-only shuttle services to enhance on-campus mobility. These shuttles are designed to offer secure transport between the office building and nearby metro stations or parking areas. Another effective measure is the creation of designated ‘safe zones’ within the campus, where women can wait for their shuttles or cab services in well-lit, heavily monitored areas. These zones are usually located near entrances or exits, often staffed with security personnel and equipped with surveillance cameras, ensuring that women have a safe space while they wait for their rides.

Secure Parking and Carpool Initiatives: Parking areas can be isolated, poorly lit, and potentially dangerous, especially during the night hours. To address this, companies are focusing on revamping their parking lots to make them safer for tenants. Initiatives such as installing bright, energy-efficient lighting, deploying additional security personnel, and introducing CCTV coverage in parking spaces have become standard practices.

Moreover, several office campuses have rolled out carpooling programs to encourage tenants to travel together with trusted colleagues, creating a safer and more sociable travel experience.

Building safer office premises for women

While ensuring safe commute is crucial, creating a safe environment within the office premises is equally important. By combining advanced technology, on-ground measures, and gender-sensitive policies, CRE firms are transforming office spaces into secure, inclusive, and empowering environments for women. These are some key initiatives.

Advanced Surveillance Systems: Progressive office campuses are now equipped with 24/7 CCTV monitoring, covering critical areas such as entry points, elevators, and isolated corridors. High-definition cameras, often integrated with motion sensors and facial recognition technology, enable real-time monitoring and rapid response to any potential security threats. Additionally, access to buildings and restricted zones is managed through biometric systems, RFID cards, and mobile app-controlled entry points. These measures ensure that only authorised personnel can enter office premises, reducing the risk of unauthorised access and maintaining a secure work environment.

On-Site Security Personnel and Emergency Response Teams: While technology plays a critical role in enhancing security, the presence of well-trained on-site security personnel is equally important. Many office campuses now employ round-the-clock security teams that are trained in handling emergency situations, from medical crises to potential security breaches. These guards patrol campuses regularly and are stationed at key locations, including entrances, exits, and parking areas.

In addition to general security personnel, firms have also formed dedicated emergency response teams that are trained to react swiftly in case of any safety incidents. These teams coordinate with local law enforcement agencies and medical services, ensuring that help is immediately available when needed.

Emergency Help Control Buttons: Recognising the importance of quick access to help, various office campuses have installed emergency help button controls in elevators, parking areas, and other key locations. These help controllers allow female tenants to alert security teams in case of emergencies, enabling an immediate response. In many cases, these panic buttons are integrated into mobile apps used by employees, offering a direct line to the office’s security team or local authorities.

Self-Defense Workshops and Safety Awareness Programs: In addition to enhancing physical security, real estate firms are offering self-defense workshops and safety awareness programs to female employees. By educating women on how to recognise potential threats, defend themselves, and respond effectively, these initiatives empower women with the skills and knowledge needed to protect themselves in case of emergency situations. Safety awareness programs also extend to the broader workforce, thereby creating a culture of inclusivity, safety and mutual respect.

The initiatives undertaken by commercial real estate players to enhance women’s safety reflect the changing dynamics of the modern workplace. By creating safer office environments, facilitating secure commutes, leveraging technology, and engaging with the community, forward-looking firms are contributing to a more inclusive and productive work culture. As these efforts continue to evolve and expand, they are likely to set a strong precedent for the future of workplace safety in corporate settings.