Hyderabad, March 31

Pharma major Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd is in the process of an image make-over as a ‘women-friendly’ organisation.

It plans to hire over 350 people in 2008-09 to further strengthen its focus on biologicals research division. Biologicals are new versions of bio-pharmaceuticals whose patents have expired.

The Hyderabad-based company plans to give preference to women, by hiring up to a minimum of 25 per cent depending on the availability. “In tune with our global image, Dr Reddy’s is now turning into a women-friendly organisation. We are re-working our human resource policies around women,” Mr Prabir Kumar Jha, Global Head (HR), Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd, told Business Line here.

The company with a global headcount of 9,300 at present will also be extending maternal leave benefits in the case of adoptions too. “Besides, there will be flexible working hours for women for about two years after delivery. They can come late and leave early. Wherever possible, work from home facility will also be extended,” Mr Jha said.

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