Infosys Launches “Restart With Infosys” Program to Reintegrate Women Professionals

In a significant move aimed at bolstering gender diversity within its workforce, Infosys has announced a new initiative called “Restart With Infosys.” This program is specifically designed to assist women who have taken a career break and are eager to re-enter the professional world. The announcement was made through an internal communication to employees, highlighting the company’s commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.

Targeting Women Professionals

To qualify for the “Restart With Infosys” program, candidates must possess a minimum of two years of prior work experience and have been on a continuous break for at least six months. This initiative is not just a recruitment drive; it aims to fill various technical roles, including positions in Java, .NET, SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, and more. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the company is looking to fill roles across different levels, from developers to tech leads and managerial positions.

A Commitment to Diversity

The launch of this program aligns with Infosys’s broader strategy to enhance female representation within its workforce. The company has set an ambitious goal of achieving 45% female representation by 2030 as part of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Vision 2030. According to the latest ESG report, women currently make up 39% of Infosys’s workforce, which numbers approximately 323,000 employees.

Infosys’s Chief Human Resource Officer, Shaji Mathew, emphasized the importance of inclusion in the company’s ESG vision. “One of our programs encourages talented women in tech who’ve taken career breaks to ‘Restart with Infosys’ and re-enter the workforce,” he stated. The initiative not only aims to fill job vacancies but also seeks to provide mentorship and skill development to help women regain their confidence and achieve their career aspirations.

Incentives for Employee Referrals

To further encourage participation, Infosys is offering financial incentives for employees who successfully refer candidates to the program. The rewards range from ₹10,000 for positions at job level 3 (JL3) to ₹50,000 for those at job level 6 (JL6). This referral program is designed to tap into the existing employee network, making it easier to identify potential candidates who may not be actively seeking employment.

Historical Context and Industry Trends

The “Restart With Infosys” initiative comes at a time when many companies are reevaluating their hiring practices in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to hybrid work models has made it easier for women, who often bear a disproportionate share of family responsibilities, to consider returning to the workforce. Vijay Sivaram, CEO of RVAi Global, a Bengaluru-based AI services company, noted that many women professionals are now more open to re-entering the job market, especially as they have had opportunities to upskill through Edtech platforms.

Moreover, the focus on vertical-level diversity targets rather than just overall diversity metrics is becoming increasingly prevalent in the tech industry. A senior woman tech professional from a global software firm pointed out that having more women in the workforce not only enhances a company’s internal culture but also improves its global standing in the eyes of customers.

Recognition and Future Goals

Infosys’s commitment to diversity has not gone unnoticed. The company was recognized as a “Champion of Inclusion” for the fifth consecutive year in the Most Inclusive Companies Index 2024, a recognition awarded by Avtar and Seramount. This accolade underscores the company’s ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive workplace.

In the fiscal year 2024-25, the “Restart With Infosys” initiative successfully led to the hiring of approximately 900 women in mid-management roles, following the recruitment of 500 women the previous year. This upward trend signifies a meaningful step toward fostering inclusion at scale, as Mathew noted in an email response.

Conclusion

The “Restart With Infosys” program represents a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by women professionals who have taken career breaks. By offering mentorship, skill development, and financial incentives for referrals, Infosys is not only working to meet its diversity goals but also setting a precedent for other companies in the tech industry. As the landscape of work continues to evolve, initiatives like these are crucial for ensuring that women have the support and opportunities they need to thrive in their careers.