Building Inclusion, One Step at a Time

At PhonePe, we are building products and services for millions of people across India, and that responsibility also extends to the kind of workplace we create, one where people feel supported, respected, and able to do their best work, regardless of disability.

As we mark the International Day of People with Disabilities, we reflect on our journey so far and renew our commitment to building a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and can contribute meaningfully. Recognising both visible and invisible disabilities, the day reminds us that inclusion matters in everyday life and at work. Building on last year, we came together around the theme ‘Together We Thrive’, a reminder that inclusion is a shared responsibility, built collectively through awareness, empathy, and action, while continuing to learn, progress, and grow.

Throughout the month, teams across PhonePe came together for a range of learning and community-building activities. As part of our PwD Month celebrations, we hosted an immersive Indian Sign Language (ISL) workshop at our office. Led by trainers deeply rooted in the Deaf community, the workshop combined lived experience, native fluency, and storytelling, helping teams build empathy and practical, inclusive communication skills. The session introduced participants to Deaf culture and everyday ISL communication, covering topics such as understanding different types of disabilities, do’s and don’ts while interacting with PwD colleagues, and basic ISL vocabulary.

We also hosted an exclusive internal networking meetup for employees with disabilities, ‘Barriers to Bridges’, designed as a safe and welcoming space. The session focused on building connections, sharing real experiences, and strengthening a sense of community. Through open conversations and engaging activities, employees spoke about everyday moments at work, the challenges they navigate, and what inclusion looks like in practice. 

Inclusivity at PhonePe is embedded in our infrastructure and policies. All our infrastructure upgrades comply with the mandates of the RPWD Act, 2016, and the National Building Code, 2016. Additionally, PhonePe has partnered with Enable India to conduct a detailed audit by accessibility experts. This helps us incorporate necessary infrastructural enhancements such as braille signs, tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs), PwD-friendly washrooms, wheelchair ramps in common areas, loop induction systems, and dedicated parking for PwDs.

The most meaningful insights come from the people who experience our workplace every day. Over the last year, our focus on disability inclusion has grown through listening and learning directly from our employees. Through a series of community meetups and ongoing conversations, we’ve sought to understand what works well today and what needs attention. These conversations have given us clearer direction across accessibility, infrastructure, communication, and career growth.

Ronak Kotak, Advisor – Consumer Lending, joined PhonePe in 2022. Over time, he’s moved across teams and roles, supported by accessible infrastructure and collaborative teams. Sharing his experience, Ronak says: “The support at PhonePe has been immediate and intentional. The office is designed with accessibility in mind, with braille dots and voice assistance in elevators, tactile pathways throughout the office, and a culture that prioritises inclusion. I have complete liberty to express my opinion and seek help when required.”

For Geeta Kumari, Advisor – Service Recovery, the sense of belonging has played a big role in her journey at PhonePe: “A truly inclusive workplace goes beyond tools—it is about people. The environment at PhonePe is incredibly supportive and cooperative. From my manager to my teammates, there is a clear culture of acceptance. I am grateful for the support from colleagues like Ron, Ishwar, and Abhilasha (who herself is low-vision). I have found an environment that includes and empowers me to perform every day. PhonePe has built an ecosystem where I am enabled and encouraged to perform at my highest level. This has reaffirmed my belief that talent has no boundaries, no labels, and no limits.”

Their experiences continue to guide how we think about accessibility, growth, and support across the organisation. By listening closely and making thoughtful changes along the way, we remain committed to building a workplace and a PhonePe where everyone feels included, supported, and able to thrive.