Logistics is a solution-driven, dynamic industry which is constantly changing. This is why we need people who provide stability and possess skills like empathy, creativity and high emotional intelligence, which are often inherent in women. Apace Digital Cargo, as part of its series on Women’s Day, speaks with Alpana Chaturvedi, CEO, My Logistics Gurukul. Focussing on ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’, she penned her thoughts beautifully in the following three points –
- Logistics is the key driver of economic growth and the changing face of Logistics today due digitization, automation is also looking beyond the talent that was limited to males as the work entailed lifting of heavy cargo, driving big vehicles and use of physical force with difficult condition to work in. As the work becomes more specialized and many a jobs have become easier because of use of technology and automation, more and more organizations are looking towards employing women in not only executive level jobs, but hiring them as mid managers and in senior positions. Inclusion of women workforce will help to bring fresh perspectives, and innovative ideas and their natural innate ability towards problem solving will help organizations as they strategize and plan towards growth in a competitive world. Great Customer Service could be the only differentiator in retention of a customer and building new customers and women can play an important role towards a customer centric and personalized approach that will ensure customer satisfaction and customer delight.
- Organizations will also benefit by including women as they stride towards a diverse and inclusive Proportional representation by employing women will help bridge the existing gender gap and also create a new generation of women leaders to take the industry forward. Having a diverse workforce will also enhance creativity and nurture a talent pool with different experiences and perspectives. Inclusion of a women workforce will help redefine the typecast that the logistics industry is male dominated and also prejudiced. The benefits of having a diverse workforce will be better equipped to handle challenges as there will be a fresh perspective and outlook. The industry can boast of becoming more agile and adaptive and keep pace with global trends.
- As more and more women become part of the industry, they will serve as role models for the younger generation. Unfortunately, Logistics still is a fairly unknown career option for youngsters. Most of the present-day logisticians are in the industry either as an accident or due lack of other opportunities. That Logistics offers an exciting, dynamic, well-paying career with immense growth opportunities – young job seekers still need to be made aware of. Women can play a crucial part as they mentor and spread awareness about logistics as a preferred career option for young girls and remove the biases that women have towards this erstwhile male dominated industry. This will help build a generation of future leaders and close the gender gap and build a more equal society. Women/ girls studying Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain can be great contributors as the Logistics industry is reshaping itself and using Data Analysis, Predictive Technology, Automation and other tools towards much more efficiency and transparency.
