Brewing Equality: Talawakelle Tea Estates’ Dedication to Women Across its Value Chain

For the second time, Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC has been honoured as the Best Workplace for Women in Sri Lanka for 2023. This accolade underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where women not only flourish but also ascend to the pinnacle of their careers. Through its dedicated programs promoting inclusivity and gender parity, Talawakelle sets a benchmark for businesses in Sri Lanka and beyond. As a testament to its ethos, women leaders at Talawakelle share insights into the company’s empowering culture and why it stands out as a premier workplace for women in the nation.

Vindya Perera: Director – Finance

What are some of the key initiatives that Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC has implemented to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for women?

Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC (TTE) has embedded an equitable and inclusive workplace for women-related programmes that allow women to achieve the highest position in the company. This is evident in the appointment of the company’s first female Director of Finance.

Commitment to gender equality is evident in its Women’s Leadership Development Programme, which provides women with the training and support they need to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to advance their careers. TTE also offers flexible work arrangements, childcare support, and a gender pay equity policy to help women balance their work and personal commitments and be paid equitably for their work.

Programmes for equitable and inclusive workplaces for women and providing safe working related have had a positive impact on the company. Women are now more likely to be promoted to senior positions, and they are more likely to feel valued, Speak up, be heard and feel respected and welcome in the workplace. This has led to a more productive and engaged workforce. Commitment to gender equality is a role model for other companies in the plantation industry. The company is showing that it is possible to create a workplace where women can thrive and succeed.

Sangeetha Dharmasekara: Deputy General Manager – Human Resources

How does Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC support women in their professional development and growth?

Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC supports women in their professional development and growth by providing them with diverse training and development opportunities, measuring the effectiveness of these training programs, and rewarding and recognizing exceptional performers. This ensures that women employees have a clear career path and that they can reach their full potential. This approach is particularly effective because it is tailored to the needs of women employees. By providing women with the training and development they need to succeed, Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC is helping to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

This is not just good for women; it is good for the company as a whole. When women are allowed to develop their skills and talents, they are more likely to be engaged and productive employees. This leads to better performance and a more successful company.

Dilukshi Mendis: Manager – Accounts

What advice would you give to other women who are interested in pursuing a career in the plantation sector, especially in the account and finance profession?

The plantation sector is one of the biggest contributors to Sri Lanka’s economy, yet it remains heavily underrepresented by women. This is a missed opportunity, as women bring unique skills and perspectives to the table. I urge you to break the mould and pursue a career in the plantation sector. You will be challenged and rewarded, and you will make a significant contribution to your country. I know that any strong career-focus woman can do it. Be fearless and bold.

Tilishiya Tilakaratne: Executive Secretary

How does Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC create a supportive and inclusive work environment for women?

By organizing Best Tea Harvester competitions and awarding them with grand prizes, Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC recognizes the hard work and dedication of women tea harvesters. This helps to boost their morale and create a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Celebrating International Women’s Day at both the head office and at all our estates helps to raise awareness of the importance of gender equality and to celebrate the achievements of women. This sends a strong message that women are valued and respected at Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC.

Providing safe and comfortable transport facilities at a low cost makes it easier for women to get to and from work, which can be especially important for women. This helps to reduce absenteeism and improve productivity. These initiatives have had a positive impact on the lives of women at Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC. Women feel more valued and respected, and they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged in their work. This has led to improved performance and productivity, and it has created a more positive and supportive work environment for everyone.

Nayana Damayanthi: Administrative Officer

What are some of the ways that Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC recognizes and rewards the contributions of its employees?

Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC recognizes and rewards the contributions of its employees by conducting a reward and recognition program for every employee category. This program rewards all exceptional performance, and I was fortunate to be recognized as one of the best employees in the staff recognition programme.

Being recognized for my exceptional performance had a significant impact on me. It boosted my morale, gave me a sense of accomplishment, and motivated me to continue working hard. It also showed me that my contributions to the company are valued. I believe that the reward and recognition program at Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC has a positive impact on all employees. It motivates employees to perform their best, and it helps to create a more positive and supportive work environment.

Nimmi Swarnamali: Welfare Officer

How does Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC support its employees and their families through its welfare programs?

The company supports its employees and their families through a variety of welfare programs, including the Home for Every Plantation Worker programme and the Key Value Driver programme. These programs are designed to help employees and their families meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life. TTEPLC’s commitment to social responsibility is evident in the number and range of welfare programs that it has in place. These programmes help to create a more stable and supportive environment for employees and their families, which can lead to improved productivity and morale.

Nadesan Nancy Rani: Estate Medical Assistant

How does Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC support its ground-level women employees for their health and well-being?

Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC supports its ground-level women employees for their health and well-being through a variety of programmes and initiatives, including providing free medical check-ups and consultations, offering free medicines and medical facilities, providing training on health and well-being, supporting women’s health initiatives, and providing financial assistance and non-finance support to women employees who are pregnant or have recently given birth. These programs and initiatives help to ensure that women employees have access to affordable healthcare, receive training on health and well-being, and are supported in their efforts to maintain good health.

Jebamalie Nishanthani: Child Development Officer

How does Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC promote the well-being of the children of its employees?

Talawakelle Tea Estates promotes the well-being of the children of its employees through a comprehensive range of programs and initiatives, including scholarships, healthcare, Child Development centre care, educational and recreational activities, and support for employees and the resident community.

Commitment to the well-being of its employees’ children is evident in the company’s investment in programs and initiatives that provide children with access to quality education, healthcare, and other essential services. These programs and initiatives help to create a more stable and supportive environment for children, which can lead to improved outcomes in all areas of their lives.

Rajagopal Seethaiyamma: Harvesting Team Member

What are some of the challenges that women face as tea harvesters, and how does Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC help to overcome these challenges?

Our Company supports women tea harvesters by providing training and support, promoting gender equality, and recognizing and celebrating women’s achievements. Commitment to supporting women tea harvesters is evident in the company’s investment in programs and initiatives that address the specific challenges that women face in this occupation. For example, provides childcare facilities and flexible work arrangements to support women harvesters who have families. The company also recognizes and celebrates the achievements of its women harvesters, such as crowning myself as the Best Tea Harvester for 2023 because of my extraordinary performance and commitment. TTEPLC is a role model for other companies in the tea industry on how to support women tea harvesters. The company’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment is commendable.

Kaliyaperumal Nishananthini: Field Supervisor

What advice would you give to other women who are interested in pursuing a career as a field supervisor with special reference to the TTE PLC Women Team Leader and Supervisors programme?

Women who are interested in pursuing a career as a field supervisor at the company should take advantage of the Women Team Leader and Supervisors Programme. This programme provides women with the training and support they need to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful field supervisors.

The Women Team Leader and Supervisors Programme is a valuable resource for women who are interested in pursuing careers as field supervisors. The programme provides women with the training, support, and networking opportunities they need to be successful.

Women who are interested in pursuing a career as a field supervisor should also be confident in their abilities, willing to learn, be a team player, and be supportive of other women. With the right training, support, and motivation, women can achieve their goals and make a significant contribution to the tea industry.

Krishnakumar Ushanthini: Factory Team Member

What are some of the things that Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC does to create a safe and supportive work environment for factory workers?

Our company creates a safe and supportive work environment for factory workers by providing regular safety training and inspections, investing in safety equipment, promoting a culture of safety and creating a supportive workplace culture and workplace wellbeing initiatives. Commitment to creating a safe and supportive work environment for factory workers is evident in the number and range of programs and initiatives that the company has in place. These programs and initiatives help to protect workers from injuries, create a positive and productive work environment, and support workers’ well-being, especially for women.