A leader in the packaging industry in the country, the company’s measures to encourage and include female leadership have created a working environment that is progressive and equitable.
Econopack Industries (Pvt) Ltd changed the packaging industry in Sri Lanka, providing innovative packaging solutions to its clients since it was established in 1993. The company has since grown to cater to some of the biggest brands in the world, across a wide range of industries, including apparel, tea, rubber, and electronic components, FMCG and pharmaceuticals.
The company is now under the helm of Shani Fernando, daughter of the late Chandra Fernando who founded Econopack. Today, the company is one of the leading packaging companies in Sri Lanka and the preferred choice for many businesses in Sri Lanka. In this interview with Echelon, she shares her story of taking the company forward without leaving anyone behind.
What are your plans for growth amidst challenging conditions?
The past couple of years have been tough for everyone due to the current economic challenges, but we are looking to the future, identifying growth markets, innovating and diversifying our packaging solutions to cater to a broader range of clients and their packaging needs. Furthermore, we are committed to retaining employees, training them, and enhancing productivity and efficiency by implementing streamlined systems and processes. These measures will allow us to continue to be a leading packaging company in Sri Lanka, providing high-quality products and services to our customers despite the challenging economic conditions.
Why is a people-centric strategy critical in such a situation, and why should diversity and inclusivity matter to Econopack?
We believe in a diverse workforce. We believe in ideas, experiences, and backgrounds coming together, driving creativity and problem-solving. By fostering equity, all our employees receive an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or other characteristics. It helps our company to ensure that talent is recognized and nurtured irrespective of who they are or where they come from.
In addition, an inclusive workplace creates a sense of belonging and community, which can increase employee engagement and motivation. Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to be committed to their work and perform at a higher level, creating a positive cycle of continuous growth and development for both the individual and the organization.
Overall, a people-centric culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion is crucial for us to achieve our long-term goals, face challenges with unity and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
How are you creating better opportunities for women to empower themselves?
We are committed to empowering women by creating better opportunities for them. We have implemented various measures to promote gender equality and support women in the workplace.
One of the ways we empower women is by providing training and development programs that enhance their skills and knowledge. We have regular training sessions on safety, quality, and technical skills to ensure that women have the necessary skills and experience to succeed in their roles. Additionally, we provide opportunities for professional development, such as leadership and management courses, to help women advance their careers.
We support women by promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The company actively recruits and offers promotions for women in all areas of its business, including management, production, and support functions. We believe in providing equal opportunities for career advancement and fair compensation for all employees, regardless of gender.
We have also implemented flexible work policies which cater to the unique women in the workforce. These policies allow for flexible work hours, work-from-home arrangements, and paid maternity leave, among other benefits, to support women in balancing their work and personal lives.
How have your strategies in encouraging diversity, equity and inclusion benefitted the company and transformed people’s lives?
We’ve had numerous benefits for both the company and its employees. By creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes equity, we have transformed people’s lives and enhanced their ability to compete in the manufacturing industry.
Another strategy is to conduct regular audits of our policies and practices to ensure they are fair and unbiased. These audits include reviewing recruitment, promotion, and compensation practices to identify and address potential barriers to entry or advancement for underrepresented groups. We also actively seek out and support diverse suppliers, who can improve the company’s supply chain and provide additional economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
Our emphasis on creating a culture of respect and inclusion has also improved employee satisfaction and retention, contributing to better productivity and innovation. In turn, it has helped us to attract and retain top talent, expand our customer base, and achieve long-term growth in our company.