Welcome to another minisode. Today’s topic is the 5 Stages of STEM Workplace Transformation.
This is the third minisode taken from my STEM Workplace Transformation Blog. Find the full posting here.
Workplace climate is a key reason why people from underrepresented groups – especially in engineering and other STEM fields – leave your organization.
Or don’t come in the first place.
But the good news is you can transform your workplace to be more welcoming and inclusive. To enhance diversity, drive innovation and improve your business outcomes.
This is what I want for you and your organization.
I’ll be giving you guidance to help you with this transformation in blog posts to come.
Meanwhile I’d love to walk you through the transformation process with a tailored approach to your organization. Learn more here.
The Benefits of Transforming Your STEM Workplace
You currently struggle to recruit good STEM talent and increase diversity.
You’re seeing innovation stagnate and new customer sales flatten.
If your business outcomes are not affected, they will be soon.
A workplace transformation will reverse these trends. It’ll lead you to higher employee engagement and lower turnover.
Soon you’ll have a team of motivated employees who love to work here. And you’ll attract a diverse group of excellent talent.
Progressing Through the 5 Stages of STEM Workplace Transformation
Your STEM workplace transformation will happen over 5 stages. Here’s a preview of what they’ll look like:
Stage 1: Foundational Stage
You may already be in Stage 1: the Foundational Stage. Or maybe you have to do some groundwork to get to this point.
In the Foundational Stage, you understand the importance of diversity and inclusion – or D&I or whatever you want to call it these days – for positive business outcomes.
You’ve begun focusing on making STEM employees feel welcome and included. D&I is already part of your corporate strategy. And it’s embraced at all levels.
There’s a fundamental awareness among your workforce: that D&I drives the innovation that enables you to meet your customers’ needs.
Stage 2: Engaging Stage
Next is Stage 2: the Engaging Stage. Here you’ll be on a path to optimal employee engagement and motivation.
Your aim is for everyone to feel connection and meaning in their work.
It’s all about providing opportunities for people to grow and achieve.
And enabling a thriving workforce with high job satisfaction.
Stage 3: Diverse Stage
Once you’ve completed the Engaging Stage, you’ll begin Stage 3: the Diverse Stage. In Stage 3 you’ll cultivate a diverse team of STEM employees.
You’ll be seeking candidates from various backgrounds and experiences. And you’ll be recruiting a wide range of talent.
In the end your STEM team will represent many cultures, approaches and styles.
Stage 4: Valued Team Stage
At this point you’ll be ready for Stage 4: the Valued Team Stage. Your goal here is to nurture a team of employees who see value and reward in working for your organization.
Your STEM employees will have clear career pathways. They’ll be able to see how their career goals align with your corporate mission.
And STEM retention rates will be high.
Stage 5: Full Innovation Stage
Finally you’ll reach Stage 5: the Full Innovation Stage.
This is where your STEM employees become driven and innovative problem solvers.
They’re creative and caring team players. Outstanding professionals and leaders.
And they’re eager to meet the needs of your customers.
The Return on Your STEM Workplace Investment
STEM workplace transformation isn’t easy. It takes time and investment.
But you’ll see a return on that investment in reduced recruiting, hiring and training costs.
You’ll see increased career fulfillment, alignment, motivation and effectiveness of your workforce. Leading to higher efficiencies and fewer roadblocks.
You’ll see more quality teamwork, creative brainstorming, and diversity of ideas. And this is what you need for advanced innovation, greater customer satisfaction and better business outcomes overall.