The business case for diversity:
✓ Better choice of skilled workers
✓ Better platform for innovation and creativity
✓ Better workforce productivity
✓ Better customer experience
✓ Better financial performance
The correlation between improved diversity and stronger business results is striking. There is a wealth of evidence which demonstrates that greater gender diversity makes companies more adaptable, more productive and more responsive to what their customers are telling them. It’s clear that to get ahead in STEM, companies should be recruiting, retaining and developing female talent – and that failing to do so will mean being left behind.
Companies within the STEM sector are increasingly recognising the strength of the business case for diversity. It’s why more and more of them are working with WISE to maximise women’s contribution at all levels.
Join us and find out how a better gender balance can boost your organisation’s productivity and performance.
Download | Why Gender Diversity Makes Business Sense
Why gender diversity makes business sense
Better choice of skilled workers
The most pressing reason for employing more women as scientists, engineers and technologists is that – at a time of continuing skills shortages – companies cannot afford to do otherwise...The most pressing reason for employing more women as scientists, engineers and technologists is that – at a time of continuing skills shortages – companies cannot afford to do otherwise.
Successful firms also recognise the cost of losing talented and experienced people. They make the best use of all the skills they have, with inclusive policies and practices, transparent opportunities for pay and career progression, and women getting the practical support and encouragement they need to advance.
Better platform for innovation & creativity
Mixed teams bring wider experience, different ways of thinking and fresh approaches to problem solving – all necessary to meet the new challenges in many industries. Given that women make up more than 50% of the population, ensuring women’s perspectives are heard when designing and developing products and services is crucial if we’re going to make sure innovation works for everybody in our society. Getting more women into STEM will benefit everybody!
Better workforce productivity
Improving gender diversity and establishing a more inclusive culture within an organisation means better employee engagement, with the potential to improve productivity and transform the business. Given the productivity gap that exists between the UK and competitor countries – which have, almost without exception, a better gender balance in STEM than we do – we can’t afford not to bring more women into STEM and develop their talents.
Better customer experience
Improved diversity can result in better products, better marketing and a better customer experience, as companies then have a staff base which properly understands the needs of all end users. Modern technology means that if you don’t adapt your offer to meet customers’ needs, a competitor will quickly develop a product or service which does.
Better financial performance
There is a wealth of evidence which suggests that more diverse teams generate better results and, in turn, lead to better financial performance. Bringing women into STEM organisations and developing their abilities is crucial if we’re going to ensure UK STEM remains at the cutting edge, especially in an age where technology is breaking down borders and where our competition is truly global.
