Women at ServiceNow: Equity, belonging, and International Women’s Day

Part of celebrating diversity—on International Women’s Day and throughout the year—is sharing the stories of those in underrepresented groups. As an executive sponsor of our Women at ServiceNow Employee Belonging Group, I believe it’s on all of us—not just women—to step up, listen to those affected by inequality, and work to instigate genuine change at the highest level.

With that in mind, I’m honoured to let five remarkable women from around the company share what International Women’s Day means to them, how ServiceNow strives for equity, and how we can all work toward a more equitable future.

Facing workplace challenges

Laura Schwabenbauer, digital solution consultant, EMEA

I’ve been at ServiceNow for just over a year. Growing up, I never would have imagined I’d end up in the technology sector. In fact, I didn’t even think to consider tech until after I finished my education.

This is one of the biggest challenges we face in the tech sector today. Technology is still largely perceived as a boys’ club. Although we’ve come a long way to increase female representation and move away from outdated stereotypes, we haven’t come far enough.

You don’t have to look far to see examples of prejudice or inequality in action. When interviewing for another company, I felt disclosing any potential family plans would negatively impact the interview—and my career prospects. It’s 2023. No woman should have to feel like that.

That’s why I’m proud to work for a company that’s recognised as one of the Fortune 100 Best Large Workplaces for Women and a champion for women and girls through partnerships such as Girls Who Code and PowerToFly.

Resolving the wrongs

Sandee Curtis, technical consultant, EMEA

My experience in the tech sector has been generally positive, but there have been challenges. Through most of my career, I have been the only woman in the room. This isn’t just lonely. It’s also counterproductive to progress.

It’s a lot harder to speak up and say, “Something isn’t right here,” when you’re the only woman on a team, living in fear of being labelled a troublemaker. What’s more, we know more diverse teams lead to better outcomes. Equity is a win-win.

That’s why it’s vital that any healthy workspace ensures no one is penalised for being who they are. From my perspective, that’s something ServiceNow believes in too. As employees, we’re regularly encouraged to get involved in belonging groups such as Women at ServiceNow and Families at ServiceNow.

I facilitated a panel session on “breaking the bias” that discussed the human stories behind inequality. People were extremely engaged because we didn’t just talk about what’s wrong. We examined what the wrongs mean and how we can resolve them.

We need more of that.

Building an inclusive culture

Maeve O’Reily, senior talent acquisition partner, EMEA

I want everyone to know they are welcome at ServiceNow. A huge part of our culture is supporting everybody, including women, to live their best life, do their best work, and fulfil our purpose together.

This starts with inclusive hiring. We are constantly working to eliminate unconscious biases, ensure diverse interview panels, and seek talent from a wide variety of talent pools. This resonates across the entire organisation, as evidenced by our RiseUp with ServiceNow program and our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report.

Our internal workplace communication platform provides access for everyone to join belonging groups and communities as a member or an ally. This helps foster a sense of belonging, making ServiceNow a respectful, open, and safe place to work.

Balancing motherhood and work

Iliyana Stareva, chief of staff to the EMEA president

It’s great to see society starting to break free of the lies we’ve been told about balancing motherhood and work—that it’s impossible, that women should stay home with their children, and that your career has to end when you have children.

However, there’s more work to be done. Women still face challenges when it comes to maternity, childcare, and flexible working policies. It’s extremely important for me, as a mother, to work for a company that prioritises equity in this area.

That’s what ServiceNow does, which is why it was named one of the Best Workplaces for Parents by Great Place To Work. Across the business, caregivers understand we won’t be penalised for taking time off when we need to. Our work will be seen and valued whenever, and wherever, we get it done.

We recently launched the Families at ServiceNow Belonging Group, which gives parents and caregivers an extensive support network. It also hosts events such as Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. It’s a fun group, but it’s also a great way to show parents in the company they’re just as valuable as anyone else.

Prioritising actions over words

Ana Galindo, Mediterranean senior marketing manager

I never wanted to join a company that made a lot of statements about feminism without doing much. Nor did I want to join a company that ignored the role of allies when it comes to equal treatment. I vote for equity and diversity, and I say yes for woman, yes for men, and yes for any person.

International Women's Day is not just about women. It’s also about men fighting for equality. We are equal, and we should have the same opportunities and respect. We should have the same ability to participate in projects, promotions, and positions. ServiceNow has an open environment where everybody is respected. This makes the world work better for us as employees.

I always wanted to work for a company that values me as an individual, a woman, and a mother. ServiceNow provides all employees with a number of well-being days. These are extra days off to do whatever we please, whether that’s spending time with family, catching up on life admin, or simply relaxing. This is a real company taking care of me.

Find out more about ServiceNow Employee Belonging Groups and our inclusive employee culture. And join us to live your best life, do your best work, and help us fulfill our purpose together. Explore ServiceNow careers.

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