Bridging gaps for a diverse STEM future

When Rama V. joined ServiceNow in 2017, she brought her passion for promoting diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with her.

“I've occupied a variety of tech roles throughout my career, often finding myself in situations where there is limited diversity among my peers,” says the senior manager of solution consulting and co-chair of the Women at ServiceNow employee belonging group.

“This experience fuels my determination to instigate change and advocate for increased diversity in the technology sector. I believe in driving meaningful progress and supporting the growth of representation from underrepresented groups in this industry.”

Fostering diversity

Women make up less than a third (29.4%) of the STEM workforce, according to the UK government. Although the percentage gradually rises each year, more needs to be done to achieve gender balance within the workplace.

A diverse workforce is a necessity for the sustained growth and innovation of STEM and its future. How can companies authentically innovate and effectively meet the diverse needs of their customers if the individuals building these solutions lack diversity?

Embracing inclusivity isn't a gesture of social responsibility; it’s an investment in a rich tapestry of perspectives, ideas, and skills. By fostering a workplace environment in which diversity thrives, companies can tap into a wealth of creativity and innovation.

Partnering for the greater good

ServiceNow actively supports Learning to Work, a nonprofit organisation that bridges the gap between educational settings and the professional world. To inspire the next generation of IT professionals, Rama and her team organise frequent business insights events where they welcome up to 60 students at a time to the ServiceNow office in Staines, UK.

These sessions provide students with an immersive experience in a technology company and encourage engaging interactions with ServiceNow employees. Each event offers valuable opportunities to enhance skills such as interview techniques, team building, problem-solving, creative thinking, and confidence building.

More recently, ServiceNow partnered with Community Bots, a charity that works with young girls in primary and secondary schools. Community Bots provides young girls in underserved communities an opportunity to develop a passion for STEM robotics and to succeed in their pursuit of higher education.

Rama says, “Being a part of initiatives like Learning to Work and Community Bots has been incredibly fulfilling. I hope ServiceNow's involvement will inspire young individuals to envision a future in STEM, encouraging them to explore and pursue opportunities in this dynamic field.”

Reaping the business benefits

Cultivating a diverse workforce can produce significant outcomes, including:

• Enhanced decision-making and problem-solving: The inclusion of a variety of perspectives helps ensure a broad range of viewpoints, contributing to more informed and well-rounded decision-making. Diverse teams are better equipped to identify potential risks and opportunities that might be overlooked in a more uniform environment.
• Employee engagement and retention: Employees are more likely to feel valued and included in a workplace that embraces diversity. It promotes a sense of belonging, leading to higher levels of employee satisfaction and engagement. Reduced turnover and increased employee retention can contribute to cost savings associated with recruitment and training.
• Enhanced innovation and creativity: Individuals with varied backgrounds and perspectives foster a creative and innovative work environment by approaching challenges from different angles.
• Increased revenue: Research from McKinsey found that “companies in the top quartile of gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability than peer companies the fourth quartile.”

Investing in the future

The UK economy faces a significant challenge due to the shortage of STEM skills, costing an estimated £1.5 billion a year, according to the Campaign for Science and Engineering.

As highlighted in our 2023 Global Impact Report, ServiceNow is dedicated to fostering equitable opportunities for all. In global collaborations with partners, customers, and educational institutions, our NextGen programmes aim to empower the next generation of talent with essential skills to help them RiseUp with ServiceNow to embrace new career opportunities in the digital economy.

Rama shares, "In my journey with ServiceNow, I've witnessed the transformative power of inclusivity and diversity in shaping the future of STEM. Together, we're not just bridging gaps; we're building bridges to a more inclusive, innovative, and empowered future for all."

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