Ravi Appadoo, HR Business Partner at APTIS: “Gaining a competitive edge through diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Gaining a competitive edge through diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ravi Appadoo, a key member of the Human Resources department at APTIS Group’s Head Office, is deeply committed to fostering a people centric approach and driving diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Why is it important for a workplace to create a culture where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their differences?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace are crucial for shaping a positive work environment and achieving business success. DEI refers to creating a workplace culture where everyone, irrespective of their race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or other differences, feels valued and respected.

Mauritius consists of various ethnic and cultural groups, contributing to its vibrant and diverse social fabric. Embracing diversity in the workplace includes people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Diversity in the workplace can lead to innovation, creativity, and better problem-solving. People have always been one of the pillars at APTIS, and we believe that the diversity of identities and experiences that people bring to the workplace is essential for the progress of companies.

How does APTIS Group’s growth offer more opportunities for its employees?

Equity involves fair treatment and offering everyone equal opportunities to succeed. This calls for recognizing and addressing systemic barriers that prevent individuals from progressing in their careers. With the diversification of our Group and business activities, we present opportunities for career growth and internal mobility. Success opportunities are open to everyone within the Group.

Besides promotions with individual companies, we also have a few success stories at APTIS where employees were promoted and moved from one business unit to another and kept on escalating in their careers. As our growth progresses, so do the opportunities for our employees. The right Attitude of our people helps us to align the right profile to the right opening.

Ravi, in your opinion, what signifies two-way trust in a workspace?

Trust forms part of our core values at APTIS and we believe that it must be two-way. To build trust from employees, a workplace culture must be welcoming, where everyone must feel valued, and supported. This involves creating an environment where employees can be their authentic selves without fear of discrimination or exclusion. This can be achieved by promoting open communication, active listening, and creating opportunities for employee suggestions and feedback. To help in promoting an inclusive culture, we have initiated various activities such as engagement surveys, feedback questionnaires, and performance management processes. We also encourage continuous feedback along different reporting lines by inspiring our managers to engage in meaningful conversations with their teams.

Why is creating a workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion vital for APTIS’ success?

Promoting DEI in the workplace is not only an ethical practice, but also a crucial element for any business’s success. A diverse and inclusive workplace can boost employee engagement, retention, and productivity. It can also enhance a company’s reputation and appeal to a wider range of customers and clients. Moreover, research has shown that companies with diverse teams are more likely to outperform their competitors. At APTIS, we make a difference by providing opportunities for people to unleash their full potential, and creating a workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. By encouraging a culture of respect, fairness, and open communication, we can create a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported, and where everyone can thrive and succeed.