Women's Day Special: Flipkart, Zomato, and Amazon Foster Safe and Inclusive Night Shifts for Women

India's largest e-commerce and delivery companies, including Flipkart, Zomato, and Amazon, are leading the charge in recruiting women for night shifts to increase diversity in the blue-collar sector.

Flipkart and Amazon's Initiatives to Hire Women

Since September 2023, Flipkart has been actively recruiting women for fulfilment and sortation sites in Haryana. Similarly, Amazon India has started the Women in Night Shifts (WINS) program at one of its sorting sites in Haryana. Both corporations have hired women for night work in other states. According to the research, women comprise roughly 30% of Flipkart's supply chain, including last-mile delivery responsibilities.

Increasing Women's Participation

These companies, along with others such as Zomato, are working to increase the number of women in the blue-collar industry. According to CIEL HR Services, women account for around 10% of the overall workforce in e-commerce enterprises. However, this percentage is predicted to increase by 25% in 2024.

Challenges of Hiring Women

Balancing night shifts with childcare and other family responsibilities can be difficult. While problems such as social conventions, transportation, and safety remain for women working night hours, e-commerce and delivery companies are taking steps to create a more welcoming work atmosphere. Companies must actively listen to the concerns of women working night shifts and create a safe and supportive work environment. These include thorough training programs in traffic safety, fire safety, self-defense, sexual harassment prevention (POSH), and gender sensitization. Providing training on safety protocols, work-life balance strategies, and health and wellness practices can empower women and improve their overall experience. They also provide safe transportation, necessary physical infrastructure, amenities such as night canteens, and constant monitoring via CCTV cameras. This creates a more inclusive workplace atmosphere where women feel appreciated and respected.

Women's Participation in the Gig Economy

In the gig economy, dominated by the e-commerce and logistics sectors, the hiring of women increased by more than 40% in 2023 compared to 2022. Not all e-commerce companies hire women specifically for night shifts. The specific challenges and solutions might differ based on the company size, location, and work culture. Companies must regularly examine and adjust their rules and practices to guarantee a safe and inclusive workplace for all employees, regardless of gender or work schedule.