HCLTech, a leading Indian IT services company, has once again been recognized on Forbes' prestigious list of the "World's Top Companies for Women." For the second consecutive year, the Noida-headquartered firm secured a spot among the top 50 global organizations in the 2026 ranking, notably being the sole India-headquartered company to achieve this distinction.
Commitment to Gender Diversity
This recognition underscores HCLTech's ongoing dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace and promoting gender diversity. Ramachandran Sundararajan, Chief People Officer at HCLTech, highlighted the company's continuous investment in professional development and inclusive practices.
"This recognition for the second year in a row reflects HCLTech’s commitment to career advancement for women and building a workplace anchored in our core value of inclusion, which is focused on creating an environment where everyone can succeed and do their best work," Sundararajan stated. He added that the company is leveraging an AI-driven talent strategy combined with significant investments in learning, career development, and mentorship to create more equitable growth opportunities.
Key Initiatives and Representation
HCLTech has rolled out several programs specifically designed to support women throughout their professional journeys. These include the Allyship initiative, the Women Connect Network Employee Resource Group, and dedicated Women Career Development Programs.
At the highest levels of governance, women comprise 50% of HCLTech's board, demonstrating strong gender representation. The company also champions its Second Career Return Program, which assists women from diverse professional backgrounds in re-entering the workforce after career breaks. This initiative has proven highly effective, contributing to an impressive 99.88% return-to-work rate among women employees who took parental leave during the fiscal year 2026.
Forbes Evaluation Methodology
The Forbes ranking encompasses over 400 companies globally and is based on a comprehensive survey of approximately 140,000 women professionals. Companies were assessed across three primary criteria: their employer brand, public opinion regarding their practices, and leadership diversity.
HCLTech’s consistent inclusion in this global list highlights its proactive efforts to strengthen women's participation across all organizational levels, setting a benchmark for gender equality in the technology sector.