As I sit at the intersection of technology and leadership, the glaring gender gap in executive roles across industries comes as no surprise. Yet, LinkedIn’s latest workforce report serves as a stark reminder of the persistent inequality that permeates boardrooms worldwide.
Even in sectors where women form the majority of the workforce, such as Education and Wellness, leadership roles remain male-dominated. Industries like Construction and Manufacturing exhibit an even wider gender gap in leadership positions.
That is why, in my current role as the Co-Chair of the Digital Trust Chapter at SGTech and CIO at Thoughtworks, I uphold diversity and inclusion as core principles that define our organisational ethos and contribute to our success. I am dedicated to nurturing an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to share their unique perspectives. Our company’s stance on D&I is resolute: We strive to cultivate a workplace that celebrates diversity, advocates for equity, and fosters inclusivity across all levels.
To realise these objectives, we have instituted a variety of initiatives designed to promote DEI within Thoughtworks.
Our primary objectives include integrating DEI guidelines into our operations and championing equality in our talent strategy. From recruiting to growth and retention, our commitment manifests through defining measurable DEI metrics to track and assess our performance throughout the talent journey and setting up a governance structure called the DEI Council.
We also aim to achieve and maintain a 40 per cent representation of women and underrepresented gender minorities in leadership roles, ensuring that our leadership reflects the diversity of our workforce. We also prioritise crafting employee engagement surveys to accurately reflect our team members’ sentiments and concerns, as well as setting DEI goals with functions and leadership to ensure alignment with departmental objectives.
Additionally, we establish and support Employee Resource Groups such as the LGBTQIA+ community and Disability Inclusion Group to foster a sense of belonging and advocacy among diverse identities within our workforce.
Also Read: Invest in women, accelerate progress: Why gender equality matters now more than ever
Among our many initiatives, several standout examples include the Women in Leadership Development Program, which serves as a community-building and support structure for women and underrepresented gender minorities, significantly contributing to mental well-being and retention.
Personally, as a workshop facilitator, mentor, and sponsor for this program, I’ve witnessed its profound impact firsthand. We prioritise leadership promotion transparency to cultivate a culture of openness within our organisation, holding leaders accountable for their actions and decisions.
Setting relevant DEI goals with functions and leadership is crucial for fostering an inclusive culture where considerations of diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to leadership roles. It emphasises that success goes beyond financial objectives, encompassing broader societal values.
Our commitment to diversity extends beyond gender to initiatives like Disability Inclusion and E-Accessibility Training, impacting not only our internal community but also our clients and partners, fostering holistic values and driving engagement and community involvement.
The positive impact of these initiatives on our organisation has been profound. We have seen increased employee engagement, improved morale, and greater innovation as a result of our commitment to DEI. Real-life examples abound of employees who have felt empowered to bring their authentic selves to work and contribute to our collective success.
Looking ahead, our plans to maintain and grow this initiative are multifaceted. We will continue to invest in DEI training and education, ensuring that all employees have access to resources that promote understanding and empathy.
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This article was first published on April 3, 2024
The post Navigating success in the digital era: The crucial role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in leadership appeared first on e27.