That we live in uncertain times is a cliché, but that does not make it any less true. Climate change and associated issues such as extreme weather, food, water, energy shortages and the need for sustainable technology and engineering, have put intense pressure on the STEM industry to come up with innovative solutions.
Most companies know that innovation is core to their success, and many now realise that gender diversity (and diversity more generally) is essential for true creativity within teams. For more on this read our WISE business case here.
Innovation is a stated priority of both companies speaking at our upcoming WISE Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) Developing Women in the Workplace – global science-based technology company 3M and maritime-orientated technical consultancy firm BMT. One third of 3M’s revenues come from products that didn’t exist five years ago and as a medium-sized company competing with much larger organisations BMT really must be agile and innovative to stay in the market.
BMT’s Senior HR Business Partner Rosie Philips, said: “We know that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to navigating the most important and impactful engineering challenges of our time. Our goal is to build more diverse teams and to create an environment where employees are engaged, thriving and feel a sense of belonging.”
The event will be held on October 17th at 3M’s Bracknell-based Innovation Centre, a space that showcases the science and solutions behind the company’s work.
Following a tour of the Innovation Centre, 3M’s STEM Champion Sarah Chapman will talk about employee-led initiatives such as #IamRemarkable and the REAL Allyship scheme (REAL stands for Reflect, Empathise, Act and Learn) and explain how they have helped create a feeling of inclusion for women and under-represented groups. Rosie Phillips, and Laura Star from BMT will discuss their development schemes for early and mid-career women.
These talks will be followed by breakout roundtables enabling networking and the sharing of best practice.
For more information on the event please email The WISE Events Lead h.hawksworth@wisecampaign.org.uk. Or to sign up to the event please click here.