Standard Chartered Bank

Standard Chartered’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment is reflected in its innovative initiatives for employees and customers alike. From workplace support to groundbreaking services for hearing-impaired individuals, these efforts demonstrate the power of inclusion and shared purpose.

Sankareswaran Srinivasan, who has lived with hearing impairments since childhood, has become a prominent advocate for accessibility within Standard Chartered Bank. His journey highlights the impact of the bank’s commitment to supporting employees with disabilities and fostering a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

Pioneering Accessible Banking Services

The Bank’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond the workplace, reaching customers in innovative ways. As someone who has personally benefited from the Bank’s focus on inclusion, Sankareswaran reflects on the importance of services that empower individuals with hearing impairments. He highlights the impact of the sign language helpline in India, which supports hearing-impaired customers through video call services conducted in sign language.

This initiative, led by his colleague Nandhini Chinnadurai, also includes an online platform where banking products are explained through sign language videos. With a shared understanding of the challenges faced by the hearing-impaired community, Sankareswaran recognises the importance of such efforts in breaking down barriers and creating equitable access.

“Deaf people are just as capable as hearing people but often face unique challenges in accessing services,” Nandhini says. “I wanted to change that. We became the first bank in India to launch deaf-friendly banking, and I am proud of how the Bank prioritises inclusiveness and accessibility.”

The helpline empowers hearing-impaired customers to communicate seamlessly, access services, and navigate their financial needs with confidence. Nandhini’s leadership in implementing this initiative highlights the bank’s dedication to addressing barriers and delivering tailored solutions for its diverse customer base.

A Workplace Where Inclusion Thrives

For Sankareswaran, Standard Chartered’s inclusive environment has been pivotal in enabling him to thrive professionally. In his role within the Executive Assistant Services (EAS) team, he has witnessed firsthand how colleagues embrace inclusive values by adopting communication practices such as speaking clearly, learning basic sign language, and using written notes.

Sankareswaran’s advocacy extends beyond his team. He has delivered workshops to over 5,500 employees, raising awareness of hearing impairments and promoting accessibility across the organisation. His efforts have inspired others to contribute to an inclusive culture, reinforcing the Bank’s vision of empowering every colleague for their voice to be heard.

A Symbol of Inclusion and Progress

One of Sankareswaran’s proudest achievements is the creation of a unique sign in sign language to represent the Bank. This symbol, now widely used across the organisation, represents a collective commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

The combined efforts of colleagues such as Nandhini and Sankareswaran demonstrate Standard Chartered’s dedication to fostering an environment where both colleagues and customers can succeed. Their stories symbolise how the Bank enables its people to break down barriers and embrace their unique strengths, create lasting impact.

Standard Chartered Bank