Support and Flexibility Through a Time of Change

Diversity at Shell; it’s not just about equality

For Anjali Goyal, Category Analyst in Shell’s Contracting and Procurement Team, the real meaning of diversity at Shell was revealed when her pregnancy was followed by an emergency delivery and premature birth. These events may see a young woman’s career be put on hold. Shell’s flexible response meant her son, her family, her career and the work she did for Shell continued to develop.

Anjali Goyal had only just started with Shell when she found out she was pregnant. She was only two months into her new role based in India.

“When I found out I was pregnant my mind was flooded with thoughts, joy and other mixed emotions and, of course, questions. What timing! Pregnant, and I’d only just started at Shell: my ideal job – new company, new culture, new bosses.

I really should prove myself before asking for ‘favors’. But, even in my very short time at Shell, I’d experienced a culture which encouraged workers to be honest and transparent. Shell responded immediately, warmly and positively.”

That’s real diversity; it’s diversity in action

“It was a very difficult year for me and my husband with a premature baby, but I felt supported and included by Shell all the way. To my mind, that’s real diversity; it’s diversity in action.”

After the birth, Anjali worked from home for some time while her baby settled and developed.

“During this period at home I structured my time so that I could still deliver my work targets. My career and my work at Shell continued. This flexibility meant that I even received my promotion on-time,” she said.

Today, Anjali’s son is a happy and healthy three year old who goes to school till 3 PM.

“Shell has also supported my decision to continue working part-time: it suits my son’s school schedule.” Anjali works a 6-hour day (from 9am to 3pm), which gives her ample time and enough energy to devote to her son when he returns home from school.

“This flexible approach by Shell continues to encourage my working from home. This works because much of my time is spent online supporting teams based in the Netherlands: my location really doesn’t matter. However, being actually at work with my Shell colleagues, meeting them face-to-face, is still very important to me and to my job; so I visit the office every Wednesday.

The really special aspect of my flexible working arrangement with Shell is that my son still doesn’t know whether I am a working or stay-at-home mom. He just finds his mom available when he needs her and she has the energy to play with him. That’s really important for our family.”