You’ve taken an internal look at your STEM workplace.
You’ve looked at the metrics and gathered the numbers.
They are not stellar.
You suspected they wouldn’t be.
Your data show that retention of scientists and engineers is low. People are less engaged. Some are even disengaged altogether.
And your STEM team is not very diverse.
This concerns you because, while customer satisfaction drives business, innovation drives customer satisfaction.
And diversity drives innovation.
But recruiting is arduous. It’s hard to find good STEM talent. And harder still to find people from diverse groups.
Few apply to work at your organization. And the job acceptance rate is low.
Given that this is true, there’s good reason for it.
The STEM talent you’re looking for is not applying for or accepting the job because they’ve decided they don’t want to work here.
And that’s largely due to the work environment of your organization.
Facing the Challenges of Your STEM Workplace
Workplace climate is a key reason why people from diverse groups – especially in engineering and other STEM fields – leave an 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 give you some guidance to help make this transformation in future blog posts.
I’d love to walk you through the transformation with a tailored approach to your organization. Learn more and apply to work with me here.
The Benefits of Transforming Your STEM Workplace
Whereas now you have low engagement, low retention, and high turnover – especially of women and people of color – a STEM workplace transformation will reverse those trends.
You currently struggle to recruit good STEM talent and increase diversity.
You’re seeing innovation stagnate and new customer sales flatten.
And if your business outcomes are not affected, they will be soon.
STEM workplace transformation will lead you to higher employee engagement and lower turnover. You’ll see your employees become more motivated and satisfied with their jobs.
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.
Each stage represents the level of accomplishment you’ll reach after making the changes that get you to the next step in the process.
Here’s a preview of what the stages will look like:
You may already be in Stage 1: the Foundational Stage. Or you may have to do some groundwork to get to this point.
In the Foundational Stage, you have an understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion (D&I) for positive business outcomes.
You’ve begun an approach to making STEM employees feel welcome and included. D&I is already part of your corporate strategy. And it is 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.
Next is Stage 2: the Engaging Stage. Here you’ll be on a path to optimal employee engagement and motivation.
Your aim in this stage is for everyone to feel connection and meaning in their work. It’s all about providing opportunities for people to grow and achieve.
Your goal is a thriving workforce with high job satisfaction.
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.
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. Individuals will be able to see how their career goals align with your corporate mission. And STEM retention rates will be high.
Finally you’ll reach Stage 5: the Full Innovation Stage.
This is where your STEM employees become driven and innovative problem solvers.
They are creative and caring team players. They are outstanding professionals and leaders.
And they are eager to meet the needs of your customers.
The Return on Your STEM Workplace Investment
STEM workplace transformation is not 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 an increase in 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.