Skilled tech talent is vital for the future of the tech industry at large, Micro Focus and its customers and partners are no exception. Technology is moving at speed and without the next generation of Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM) graduates and upskilled groups making their way into the workplace, the war for talent continues to threaten industries and global economies alike. As leaders in the space, we have a responsibility to ensure that the technologies, which are increasingly shaping our lives, represent all of us.
That’s why, during the Micro Focus #virtualUniverse a panel of technology leaders took part in an online panel “Driving Business Success – Diversity & Digital Transformation” to examine what companies are doing to help increase the level of diversity in our industry, from the classroom to the boardroom.
Here are the highlights:
Engage early
Engaging with young girls as early as possible is key to helping inspire and influence their perceptions, study and career choices. PWC’s Tech She Can program was cited as a great example of a collaborative approach. Designed to help address gender imbalance in the technology industry, The Tech She Can Charter is a commitment by organizations to work together to increase the number of women working in technology roles. It aims to tackle the root cause of the problem at a societal level by inspiring and educating young girls and women to get into tech careers and sharing best practice across the organizations involved.
You need to see it to be it
Role models are critical. Everyone can make a difference. The Micro Focus INSPIRE program which is designed to help communities acquire the right skills to thrive in a digital world with a big focus on inclusion and diversity provides employees with opportunities to volunteer in schools and community groups to talk about the exciting careers and pathways in technology.
Career paths can be wiggly and/or ‘straight lines’
As we heard from our panellists, there are various routes into tech. One left school at 16 with dyslexia and started a career as a model, one aspired to be a ballerina and the other a vet before all three finally entered the tech industry where today they hold senior leadership roles.
Understanding Unconscious Bias is key
We all have unconscious bias. While it is completely natural and unintended, it can and does affect our decisions particularly in recruiting and managing teams. However, it can be mitigated and even removed through active awareness, deliberate action, and by developing new behaviors.
To listen to the full discussion please watch the embedded video directly below. Feel free to find me on Twitter to talk directly.
