The maker of Dove soap and Surf detergent cut its permanent workforce by 8.6% to 7,499 employees as of March 31 from 8,202 a year earlier, according to its annual report. Its worker count also declined 5.3% to 17,490 from 18,465.
The latest workforce cuts indicate the pressure on consumer goods makers to improve productivity and protect margins as a broader consumption slowdown weighs on volume growth. Median employee remuneration at Hindustan Unilever increased 6.1% during the year.
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“Operating successfully in this environment required a careful balance of discipline in making clear portfolio choices, allocating capital prudently, and agility in execution,” managing director Priya Nair said in the annual report. “We crafted sharper priorities during the year, with a clear focus on volume-led revenue growth.”
Nair, who became HUL‘s MD on August 1, 2025, succeeding Rohit Jawa, received Rs18.19 crore as remuneration in FY26.
She said the company deepened its consumer-segmentation strategy across product development, pricing and distribution, invested in building more premium and culturally relevant brands backed by science-led innovation, accelerated its presence in future-focused retail channels through technology and partnerships, and increased resource allocation toward high-growth categories where the company believes it has a “right to win.”Also read | US proposes new tariffs on imports from India & other partners
The company’s salon business Lakme Lever saw sales growth at 11% at Rs 386 crore while Zywie Ventures which owns plant based brand Oziva posted sales growth of 80% to Rs 462 crore.