What would it take in your company to not only have a 50/50 gender split at entry level and middle management, but to also have a 50/50 split in your executive team – i.e. no glass ceiling for women and where women and men are retained through their career with equal opportunity for advancement? It can be done in the tech industry, and WorkWave has accomplished it.
Diversity matters at every level, and while diversity is more than only gender, I am very proud of what we have accomplished here at WorkWave. In addition to our industry-leading statistics related to executive team gender representation, I’m thrilled to see that 75% of our first level team leads are female, as part of an overall diverse and top-notch group of talent that will continue to grow with the organization in the years ahead. It is also noteworthy that over 50% of our managers, regardless of gender, have been promoted to leadership positions via internal promotions – creating a healthy mix of institutional knowledge and fresh perspectives from new hires, whether male or female.
Here at WorkWave, we put a great emphasis on our employees and company culture, as our employees are what enable us to grow, succeed and continue to deliver innovative solutions to the service industry. As we have continued to experience tremendous growth in recent years, strategic decisions regarding company policy, culture and approach continue to be made to ensure we’re creating and encouraging a diverse workforce, driven through actual, concrete statistics.
One of the things our CEO talks about is that she didn’t have many female mentors in her career, simply because so few existed in her 20s and 30s. At WorkWave, there are female leaders from entry level to first time managers to directors and VPs, as well as at the C-level.
Some of our greatest initiatives include:
Dedication to Finding – and Growing – Our Talented Employees
We host onsite career fairs to allow anyone with a resume to receive an on-the-spot interview – providing those newly returning to the workforce or looking for a career change with the opportunity to talk about their background and professional aspirations. This allows us to get to know a person, not just a piece of paper. Upon joining WorkWave, employees have a one-on-one meeting on a regular basis with their manager – providing them with an opportunity to lead each conversation, talk about career path, goals, seek guidance and receive coaching.
Having Mentors and Female Leaders Available
One of the things our CEO talks about is that she didn’t have many female mentors in her career, simply because so few existed in her 20s and 30s. At WorkWave, there are female leaders from entry level to first time managers to directors and VPs, as well as at the C-level. Likewise, we have many working mothers at WorkWave who exemplify how women can have successful careers, be valued and promoted, while also meeting the needs of their families.
Robust Parental Leave Policy
Our robust parental leave policy ensures men and women receive equal bonding leave for a newborn child, including foster children and adoptions. We also offer flexible work schedules upon returning to work – providing the opportunity for those transitioning back after maternity/paternity leave to do so at a reduced schedule and ease back into a new routine.
Strong Company Culture
A strong company culture that we continue to invest in and grow ensures that those joining the company care about and understand the importance of a strong and inclusive environment. Between volunteer opportunities, company and team building events, and gatherings for family and friends, we strive to foster a culture that breeds openness, creativity, and of course, fun!
How do we know it’s working? The proof is in the numbers and also in the enthusiasm that can be felt by candidates, new employees and tenured team members. When bringing people together, the energy is contagious, the commitment for doing the right thing for our customers is earnest, and the passion everyone has to want to do more, learn, grow, and help each other makes this truly a great place to work.
Interested in joining our award-winning team? Check out our open positions and join us at the upcoming Bell Works Career Day!
Interested in learning more about WorkWave? Visit us at www.workwave.com