Sustainable Saturdays: ESG Health Chronicles

Section 1 - ESG Insights: Navigating the Social Impact of India's Healthcare Sector

Social sustainability is all about prioritizing the well-being of individuals and communities, acknowledging how an organization's decisions impact everyone involved – employees, customers, and the broader community. At its core, the 'S' in ESG represents a focus on people – how a business interacts with them and builds trust. Social sustainability covers a range of factors, including diversity and inclusion in hiring practices, employee well-being initiatives, working conditions, fair compensation, and how business activities affect communities. While it may have previously taken a backseat to environmental and governance concerns, the 'S' is now stepping into the spotlight, driven by changing consumer preferences and employee expectations, and is becoming a crucial component of every organization's sustainability strategy.

India BRSR Core - Social Pillar Metrics

Section 2 - ESG Social Pillar Case Study: Max Healthcare

Gender Diversity: Max Healthcare employs over 26,000 individuals, out of which approximately 11,000 are women. While the healthcare sector generally sees a significant representation of women, they're often not equally represented across all levels of hierarchy. This discrepancy is particularly evident in lower and mid-level roles, where women are overrepresented compared to their presence in influential positions.

In Max Healthcare's leadership structure, there is a striking lack of female representation. Among the board of directors, only one woman held a position and she resigned in Apr 2023. There are no female key management personnel. This underrepresentation limits the opportunities for women to advance in the organization, as there may be insufficient female leaders to provide mentorship, advocate for talented women, or champion policies that promote gender equality.

Creating more equitable and woman-friendly workplaces requires proactive efforts to address systemic barriers and biases that hold them back from reaching leadership positions.

Max Healthcare's commitment to gender equality also extends to pay parity initiatives. Analysis of the median salaries reveals that there is pay parity among male and female employees under the category of Key Management Professionals (KMP). However, there remains a slight discrepancy in median salaries for employees other than Board of Directors (BOD) and KMP, with male employees earning a median salary of 4.08 lakhs compared to 3.39 lakhs for female employees.

While Max Healthcare has taken steps to address gender diversity and pay parity, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure equal opportunities for career advancement and fair compensation across all levels of the organization. This includes implementing strategies to promote female representation in leadership positions and addressing any remaining gaps in pay equity.

Employee Well-being: Max Healthcare prioritizes employee well-being, acknowledging the importance of a supportive work environment for the physical, mental, and emotional health of its workforce. The initiatives mentioned, such as wellness programs, mental health support, and work-life balance resources, demonstrate the organization's commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of its employees. ?All employees are covered for Health & Accidental insurance. Males are provided Paternity benefits, and females are provided Maternity Benefits and day care facilities as per the ESG Report.

Alignment with SDGs: The content draws attention to Max Healthcare's alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 3, 5, and 8, which focus on health and well-being, gender equality, and decent work and economic growth, respectively. By providing health and accident insurance, parental leave, fair wages, and retirement plans, Max Healthcare contributes to achieving these global sustainability goals while promoting a positive work environment.

Occupational Health and Safety: Max Healthcare's proactive approach to occupational health and safety, emphasizing its commitment to creating a work environment free from hazards. The inclusion of specific measures, such as rigorous training, state-of-the-art equipment, and mental health support programs, highlights the organization's efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its healthcare professionals.

In a recent review of Max Healthcare Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report, it was surprising to find that there were zero complaints regarding working conditions and health and safety over the past two years. However, it's essential to recognize that this data may not paint the full picture.

Upon conducting secondary research, I came across an alarming incident reported in July 2023. A resident doctor at Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital in Mumbai bravely spoke out about experiencing sexual harassment by a senior clinical consultant. Link to the Article https://rainmaker.co.in/blog/view/sexual-harassment-in-the-indian-healthcare-sector

It's crucial to acknowledge that this incident, along with any other potential workplace concerns, must be addressed promptly and transparently. While I cannot independently verify the accuracy of the data from secondary research, it highlights the importance of fostering a safe and supportive work environment for all employees. As an organization, we must remain vigilant in upholding our commitment to workplace safety, inclusivity, and zero tolerance for harassment of any kind.

Section 3 - Sustainable Memories

In my treasure trove of memories, one of the most flavorful recollections revolves around enjoying Prasad served in plates made of leaves, known as "Pattal Dona." The aroma of Prasad Halwa mingled with the earthiness of the Dona created a surreal sensory experience that I relished to the fullest.

Serving food on "Pattal Dona" is deeply ingrained in our cultural, religious, and social fabric. From offering naivedyam to deities during worship to distributing prasadam to devotees, leaves play a sacred role in our culinary traditions. Beyond rituals, they are extensively used in marriages, religious festivals, and community feasts, serving as a symbol of our connection to nature and our commitment to sustainability.

Eating Onam Sadya on a banana leaf holds a special place in my heart. The ritualistic cleaning of the leaf with water before a meal adds to its charm, preparing it as a canvas for the feast that follows. The wax coating on the banana leaf lends a subtle fragrance to the food, enriching the entire dining experience with its aromatic essence.

In Himachal Pradesh, the revival of the age-old tradition of using leaf-based serving options through initiatives like the Pattal Project is heartwarming. These eco-friendly alternatives not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also provide employment opportunities for rural women, preserving traditions while promoting economic empowerment.

Reflecting on these memories fills me with nostalgia and gratitude for the rich traditions that have shaped our heritage. As we embrace sustainable practices, let us cherish and preserve these timeless rituals that connect us to our roots and inspire us to live sustainably. Together, let's embark on a journey to honor our past while building a healthier and greener future.

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