In today’s rapidly evolving global business landscape, promoting diversity and inclusion has become a critical priority for organizations worldwide. SAP, a leading multinational software corporation, has long recognized the importance of creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and empowers all individuals, regardless of their neurological differences. The collaboration with Akshadhaa Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with autism, marks a significant milestone in SAP’s ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive workforce.

Empowering the Neurodiverse Community through Code Unnati

The digital learning program launched by SAP Labs India and Akshadhaa Foundation is a testament to their shared commitment to promoting skill development and employment equity. Code Unnati, SAP’s flagship CSR initiative, serves youth between the ages of 14 and 30, providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. By extending this program to the neurodiverse community, SAP aims to address income inequality and connect beneficiaries with meaningful employment or entrepreneurship opportunities.

Sindhu Gangadharan, Managing Director of SAP Labs India and Head of Customer Innovation Services at SAP, emphasizes the company’s vision of creating an inclusive future where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. She expresses confidence that the partnership with Akshadhaa Foundation will help SAP further extend its efforts to empower the larger neurodiverse community. By unlocking the full potential of neurodivergent talent and helping them break down employment barriers, SAP is fostering an organizational culture that not only empowers but also celebrates diversity.

Sumana Dutta, Founder and Executive Director of Akshadhaa Foundation, echoes the sentiment, highlighting the power of partnership in fostering inclusion and empowerment. By leveraging SAP’s expertise and Akshadhaa’s dedication, the collaboration paves a path of opportunity for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism, in the IT industry. The partnership goes beyond building skills; it aims to break down barriers and ensure that everyone has a chance to thrive and contribute meaningfully. Dutta envisions the collaboration as a catalyst for positive change, inspiring others to join in creating a more inclusive and equitable future.

SAP’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

SAP’s dedication to the neurodiverse community extends beyond its own organization to the larger ecosystem. In addition to the digital learning program launched in collaboration with Akshadhaa Foundation, SAP has implemented several initiatives to support and empower neurodivergent individuals. The company’s ‘Autism at Work’ program focuses on recruiting and supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), recognizing the unique talents and perspectives they bring to the workplace.

Furthermore, SAP Labs India has pioneered a network community of corporates that come together to advocate for neurodiverse employment. The ‘India Autism at Work Summit’ is one such initiative that aims to celebrate the success of neurodivergent individuals and create a collaboration platform for the community. By bringing together like-minded organizations and individuals, SAP is driving a movement towards a more inclusive workforce, where diversity is not only accepted but actively celebrated.

The Way Forward: Building an Inclusive Future

The collaboration between SAP Labs India and Akshadhaa Foundation further represents a significant step forward in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. By empowering the neurodiverse community through digital learning and skill development, the program aims to break down employment barriers and create meaningful opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.

As organizations increasingly recognize the value of diversity and inclusion, initiatives like Code Unnati serve as a model for others to follow. By investing in the development of neurodivergent talent and creating a supportive and inclusive work environment, companies can tap into a vast pool of untapped potential and drive innovation.

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In today’s competitive job market, companies that prioritize the well-being and success of their employees will ultimately emerge as the winners. SAP’s workplace culture is a prime example of how investing in employees can drive business success while creating a positive impact on society as a whole.

SAP’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture goes beyond mere words. The company has implemented various programs and initiatives aimed at promoting equality, encouraging innovation, and empowering employees to achieve their full potential.

One such initiative is the SAP Autism at Work program, which seeks to recruit individuals on the autism spectrum and provide them with training and support to thrive in the workplace. SAP has also launched the One Billion Lives program, which leverages technology to create innovative solutions to social challenges.

In addition, SAP’s dedication to promoting employee well-being is reflected in its extensive health and wellness programs, which include mental health support, stress management resources, and healthy lifestyle initiatives.

SAP Workplace Gets Recognition from LinkedIn

LinkedIn’s recognition of SAP as a top workplace in multiple countries in Asia-Pacific (APAC), including Australia, Japan, Philippines, and Singapore, is proof of the company’s unwavering vision of creating a culture where employees are valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. SAP’s dedication to diversity, inclusion, and professional growth has created a workplace that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

SAP prioritizes creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters innovation, creativity, and employee satisfaction while reducing attrition. The company has implemented various initiatives to ensure that its employees feel valued and supported, from fair pay and full transparency over salary bands to hiring practices that promote diversity. The Pledge to Flex initiative is one such program that encourages flexible work arrangements in an inclusive environment, enabling everyone to work, grow, and thrive in a way that fits their individual lifestyle and circumstances.

Being recognized as one of LinkedIn’s 2023 Top Companies in Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and Singapore also validates SAP’s commitment to gender parity and educational attainment. SAP leads the market in terms of female representation, with 35% of women in the workforce and 29% in management positions, according to the SAP 2022 Diversity & Inclusion Report released this month. The company’s long-term efforts to create a work culture that ensures equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement have been acknowledged by LinkedIn.

SAP values providing equal treatment to all employees, as demonstrated by the results of internal surveys. A remarkable 91% of employees feel that the workplace and culture ensure equal treatment for all. The company’s support for diversity, equity, and inclusion, coupled with its innovative workplace policies and practices, has made it a top workplace for professionals seeking to advance their careers.

Fostering a Positive Work Environment

LinkedIn’s Top Companies List 2023 recognizes SAP for more than just its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The company’s positive work environment and culture are also highlighted specifically its stability and affinity. SAP’s high employee retention rate is a testament to the company’s dedication to providing a workplace that supports and values its employees.

SAP empowers its employees to take control of their own career growth and development. With access to a vast array of learning tools and resources, employees can expand their skill set and knowledge base. Additionally, SAP’s extensive network provides endless opportunities for career progression. This, in turn, makes SAP an attractive place for individuals seeking to build a fulfilling career over the long term.

It’s no wonder that many employees choose to stay with SAP for many years. SAP’s focus on creating a positive and supportive work environment and providing opportunities for career growth and development ensures that employees feel valued and fulfilled. The company’s emphasis on stability and affinity further reinforces its commitment to fostering a culture where employees can build long-lasting, satisfying careers.

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Coming from an understanding that the diversity of its employees is a critical ingredient for fueling innovation, SAP has been offering targeted internship and co-op programs to attract talent from all backgrounds of life. The German enterprise software giant also constantly evaluates different sourcing channels to expand its search for talented, smart, and creative people. 

The firm’s subsidiary in China has contributed to the whole organisation’s vision of cultivating diversity and inclusion by investing in autism talent projects and covering multiple links — from skills training to talent recruitment — since 2016. For two consecutive years now, the SAP Autism Talent Employment Preparatory Skills School has been in place to provide systematic and professional career development counseling for autistic people to help them better integrate into the workplace. The third phase of the program’s completion ceremony was held recently with 18 autistic students successfully finishing the SAP training courses provided for 10 days.

The students coming from across seven provinces in the country received a certificate of completion jointly issued by SAP, China Association of Mental Disabilities and Relatives and Friends (China Association of Fine Arts), and Beijing Xingyu Education Research Institute (Xingyu). Dr. Huang Chenhong, the newly appointed SAP Global Executive Vice President and President of SAP Greater China, participated in the closing ceremony and described it as “such a meaningful event.”

Since taking on the new role this month, Dr. Huang has been meeting with colleagues, customers, and partners to learn more and share thoughts about SAP’s purpose-driven culture. Commenting on the SAP Autism at Work initiative, he stated:

“Since the SAP Autism Talents Program was launched for 6 years, we have worked with partners to continuously launch a variety of projects to help autistic groups integrate into society, self-reliance, and healthy living. SAP also hopes to contribute to the building of a more inclusive society while implementing its corporate vision of making the world run better and people’s lives better.”

Integrating Talented Autistic People into Society through SAP Programs in China

The SAP Autism Talent Employment Preparatory Skills School is designed for high-functioning autistic individuals over the age of 20, with the goal of improving their employment competitiveness and enabling their smooth transition into the workplace. Last May, multinational companies such as Audi China, Hewlett-Packard, GEA, and Flex attended the first SAP Autism Talents Online Promotion Conference. Initiated by SAP, the organisations issued the “Autism Inclusion Declaration” to further promote the employment of people on the spectrum in China.

Moreover, Wen Hong, Chairman at China Association of Mental Disabilities and Relatives and Friends, stressed that SAP has taken the lead in providing employment opportunities and vocational skills training for people with autism in the country. Dubbing the tech giant’s contribution as something that has “very far-reaching significance”, Hong further said:

“SAP not only provides best practices for the industry but also invites more client companies to learn about the employability of people with autism. It has had a great influence on the improvement and perfection of China’s autism service concept and system.”

The training courses provided in the SAP Autism Talent Employment Preparatory Skills School are taught by a volunteer faculty team consisting of university tutors and SAP experts. The project has received tremendous recognition since its introduction in 2019. SAP has also provided vocational skills training for more than 60 high-functioning individuals with autism in the last six years, in addition to previous Autism at Work training camp activities.

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