Inclusion in the workplace isn’t just about policies, facilities, or benefits—it’s about fostering a mindset of equity, says Sejal Haribhakti Mody, Chief Human Resources Officer, Akasa Air.

"Equity is about recognising differences in the ways people work and communicate. When we cultivate this understanding among both men and women, it fosters a culture of trust and collaboration for the long term," she explains. “At Akasa, pride and ownership are central to their success,” she adds.

Creating a workplace where women lead, not just participate

At Akasa, fostering pride and ownership among employees is central to its culture. Sejal emphasises that providing equitable opportunities, continuous development, and a supportive ecosystem is how the company nurtures a sense of belonging.

"We look for women who believe in the power of ownership. Our engagement doesn’t stop at hiring—we actively support their growth through leadership initiatives, mentorship, and awareness programs. Through informal but impactful initiatives like ‘Leaders Building Leaders,’ we ensure that inclusion isn’t just a conversation but an ongoing practice—especially in our diverse and dispersed workforce."

She also highlights the role of communication in fostering trust. “Understanding both short-term and long-term goals—and aligning them with the organisation’s vision—helps employees feel valued and invested in their growth."

Fostering equity, psychological safety 

In today’s evolving work environment, Sejal notes that women expect more than just policies—they seek psychological safety, work-life integration, and opportunities for leadership.

“At Akasa, gender diversity isn’t just part of our growth strategy—it’s a mindset shift. Since our inception, our talent strategies have been deeply rooted in employee-centricity. It’s not about meeting a target but truly believing in the value gender diversity brings to business performance," she asserts.

Currently, 37% of Akasa Air’s workforce comprises women, with one-third of its officials being women—a statistic the company takes pride in.

But equity goes beyond numbers. From uniform design—ensuring ergonomics, aesthetics, and comfort—to policies that promote work-life balance, Akasa is committed to creating an inclusive environment that supports all employees holistically.

Beyond Policies: Building a culture of inclusion

While robust policies are crucial, Sejal believes that daily actions drive true inclusion. Akasa Air has embedded several inclusive policies into its culture, including:

Comprehensive Benefits – Equal pay and benefits for comparable roles with similar responsibilities.

Work-Life Balance – Flexible work-from-home options to support caregiving and family responsibilities.

Parental Support – Maternity and paternity policies designed to support employees through different life stages.

Creche Facilities – A pan-India tie-up ensuring childcare support for employees at all office locations.

Psychological Safety – A strict Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) policy and zero tolerance for workplace misconduct.

Ethics & Governance – A dedicated Ethics and Code of Conduct Committee to ensure workplace integrity.

For Sejal, the journey towards workplace equity is ongoing. Beyond policies, Akasa Air believes inclusion is built through daily actions— driving awareness and creating a culture where every voice is heard. “At Akasa Air, we are dedicated to ensuring that women don’t just participate but lead and inspire.”