Over 20% of Indian women lack leadership development; many struggle with work-life balance: Report

Nearly a quarter of women in Indian workplaces lack access to leadership development opportunities, 22% report struggling with work-life balance, and 18% face inflexible work arrangements, according to a new report from Great Place to Work India.

Titled, “From Intent to Impact: Celebrating India's Best Workplaces for Women and in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging,” the report draws on confidential survey data collected from employees nationwide. It reveals the areas of progress and what organisations must do to create truly inclusive workplaces.

One of the key findings of the report points to a stark reality: 15% of women in India continue to report that they do not experience egalitarian treatment at work. Data from the report reveals that employees who experience it are 4.1 times more likely to feel their management genuinely cares for them as individuals. They are also far more likely to believe that performance is evaluated fairly, and that managers avoid favouritism.

The study also provides insights into the experiences of Historically Excluded Groups (HEGs), including women, persons with disabilities (PwDs), LGBTQIA+ employees, and other underrepresented communities, who make up 30 percent of India’s workforce in 2025.

Women form a majority of this group, yet their representation declines steadily as they climb the leadership ladder.

These barriers are pronounced for women returning after maternity leave, who often face rigid schedules, insufficient leave policies, and limited empathy from management, leading to higher stress and attrition.

For other HEGs, the challenges remain stark. Employees with disabilities report the steepest gaps in pay, career advancement, and perceptions of fairness. LGBTQIA+ employees continue to face bias in promotions and decision-making, limited opportunities for growth, and inequities in compensation.

Yet, the report also highlights reasons for optimism. Universal drivers of belonging, such as dependable managers, fair treatment, reduced workplace politics, and an environment that fosters engagement and fun, emerged as critical levers to create more inclusive workplaces across all groups.

The study also acknowledges that organisations recognised as Best Workplaces are consistently ahead in productivity, employee retention, customer service, and agility.

The top 10 companies with more than 1000 employees recognised among India's Best Workplaces for Women 2025 (in alphabetical order) include:

Aegis Customer Support Services Private Limited (a Startek company)

AGS Health Private Limited

First American (India) Private Limited

Gokaldas Exports Limited

H & R Block (India) Private Limited

Harrisons Malayalam Limited

Hilton

Marriott Hotels India Private Limited

PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited & MetLife Global Operations Support Center

Synchrony International Services Private Limited

List of 10 organisations recognised among India’s Best Workplaces in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging 2025  (in alphabetical order):

Altudo Consultancy Services Private Limited

Angel One Limited

Aristocrat Technologies India Private Limited

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited

Broadridge Financial Solutions India Private Limited

Capgemini Technology Services India Limited

Eli Lilly Services India Private Limited

Epsilon India Data and Digital Technology Solutions LLP

First American (India) Private Limited

Flipkart Group (Flipkart Internet Pvt. Ltd., Cleartrip, Flipkart Health+)

Fractal Analytics Limited

“Inclusive organisations are likely to be successful at developing positive workplace cultures, enhancing business performance, and supporting equity in society. Today, we are proud to announce such forward-looking organizations that have made it to the winners' list of India’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2025 and India’s Best Workplaces™ in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging 2025. Congratulations to all the winners for setting a global standard of excellence and inspiring us all to create workplaces where inclusion is an enduring part of success," Balbir Singh, CEO, Great Place To Work® India commented.