Three reasons why we need more women in technology - How Microsoft empowers women (1496 hits)
By Sandeep Sood
When it comes to balancing work and life, including a rewarding, impactful professional role, can women have it all? YES, says recruiter Sandeep Sood, who has hired hundreds of women in tech over 14 years, after his own five-year career in engineering. In Sandeep’s own words, as we get ready to celebrate Mother’s Day, here’s why we need more women at Microsoft:
In the U.S., Microsoft currently has more than 3,500 openings for engineers. And we are focused on finding more women to fill these roles. Why? Is it just for diversity?
According to John Gerzema, author of The Athena Doctrine, “Feminine traits are a strategic advantage in today's economy.”
The author’s research, in which he surveyed 64,000 people around the world, indicates that so-called “feminine” traits (intuitive, flexible, nurturing and collaborative) have an important business impact. These findings have major implications for the workplace. From their Athena research, here are a few telling statistics:
81 percent of people said that, man or woman, you need both masculine and feminine traits to thrive in today’s world.
And 63 percent of the men polled agree with this statement: “The world would be a better place if men thought more like women.”
Clearly, for all of us to succeed, we need to attract and retain more female employees. However, as a recruiter, I see how many women in technical disciplines hold themselves back from advancement. It’s time to buck that trend.
Here are three things women need to know about life at Microsoft:
1. It IS possible to climb the corporate ladder and have a life outside of work.
Many women have grown their career and taken leadership roles at Microsoft: A great example is Julia Liuson, a Microsoft corporate vice president. In her Seattle Timesarticle, she advises other women to “ask for what you need personally in order to do a great job professionally.”
In Julia’s interview on the JobsBlog, she addresses the importance of strong role models and how they are accessible to everyone today. And she emphasizes being “clear about your priorities,” including the tough juggles of work-life balance.
There are many ways Microsoft anticipates employee needs. To name a few: flexible work options, paid time off for life events, assistance with backup childcare, and employee communities of women and parents who share insider tips for positive family life. Learn more here.
2. We value career development.
At Microsoft we encourage you to grow your career, whether in management or as a senior individual contributor. And just as Julia mentions, we offer mentoring programs. We also offer management support and myriad opportunities across our business groups to follow one’s passions. We provide resources through employee networks and various workshops, such as our bi-yearly Global Women’s Conference. Learn more here.
3. Diversity is important.
Research shows that diversity is a boon to business outcomes. The National Center for Women and Informational Technology (NCWIT)found that while 60 percent of men at startups believed that diverse teams innovate and troubleshoot more efficiently, only 41 percent would support company-wide hiring practices to increase diversity. But consider this: If 60 percent believed that knowledgeable coders would make better hires, would only 41 percent be in favor of hiring people who know how to code?
It’s so important that we talk with our kids early about their own goals—maybe even by age six. That’s when their interests in technology and their sense of equality can begin.
