The benefits of different perspectives and experiences are celebrated every October – universally marked as Global Diversity Month. We know that new outlooks and fresh ideas from a range of backgrounds, genders, and age groups can bring huge advantages to the transport industry.
Benefits of diversity in the workplace
Achieving effective gender diversity in the NZ transport industry is no easy task. As a field within STEMM, (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine), the industry has historically been male dominated.
However, there is increasing recognition of women’s impactful contributions to STEMM. Half of respondents in a New Zealand 2021 diversity survey indicated that gender is the most important diversity focus for organisations.
And no wonder. A 2017 McKinsey report found that businesses in the top quartile for gender diversity were 21% more likely to have returns above the industry average. So, it’s safe to say that workplace diversity equals company success.
The real question is, how do we encourage more of it?
As a newly signed member of Diversity Works NZ, Teletrac Navman is proud to show its commitment to promoting a diverse workplace. To support the industry to develop a more inclusive focus, we’ve gathered some tips from Teletrac Navman staff for women wanting to join a STEMM organisation or role.
Where to start
“Before considering entering STEMM, interest is definitely the first thing to consider. Be prepared for lifelong learning, every field is a huge subject and is developing rapidly. However, there is no need to worry about encountering problems or being confused, they will be solved by continuous learning and a lot of practice,” advises Li Kang, frontend developer at Teletrac Navman NZ.
The best place to start is to carve out some time to self-reflect. What do you need from an employer to thrive? What is important to you? Do you need flexibility in where and when you work? Identify your current priorities and they will be your true north as you navigate.
Next is research. Make a list of companies you want to learn more about, check recent news about them, talk to their employees (do you know someone working there? If not, send someone a friendly message on LinkedIn) or connect with their recruiters or HR representatives.
You want to determine if they meet your key priorities, and how they support employees. More specifically, how are they navigating Covid-19? Every company has different policies. For example, with the increased burden the pandemic has had on caregiving responsibilities, we decided to formalise our flexibility policy at Teletrac Navman. We also offer gender-neutral parental leave, paid miscarriage leave (between 4 to 12 weeks) and time off to attend medical or legal appointments during your surrogacy, fostering or adoption process.
“I’ve been 10 years with Teletrac Navman and the company’s flexible working options have helped me balance my work and my family. The flexible work hours have enabled me to look after my children during school holidays and to pick them after school every day,” says Santhi Varikuppala, software QA engineer at Teletrac Navman NZ.
Put yourself out there
Finally, while historically a hard industry to break into, women’s contributions to STEMM have been both extensive and ground-breaking; think Dr Gladys West, one of the inventors of GPS technology, or Hedy Lamarr, actress, mathematician and inventor. Don’t be deterred by the lack of females within the STEMM industries. Instead, be part of the change by putting yourself out there and adding to the number of women making meaningful contributions to STEMM every day.
As an Endorsed Employer for all Women by WORK180, we have recently been featured on Organisations to follow to build your career in STEMM. Check us out!
*Megan Duncan is Australasia director of marketing at Teletrac Navman.
