Transport needs more women. As an industry, we recognise the value and benefits of greater diversity - increased innovation, creativity, productivity and safety are just some of them.
LinkedIn data revealed that diversity hiring was the most embraced trend in 2018 with 78% of companies prioritising diversity to improve culture, and 62% doing so to boost financial performance.
And yet, the number of women working in transport in the UK has declined in recent years and many people still perceive some careers as ‘men only’.
We know that there are great opportunities in transport for women to have fulfilling, challenging and varied careers but how do companies stand out and attract talented women against the competition?
Your diversity and inclusion policies matter to women - and men!
Did you know that 86% of women and 74% of men consider the diversity and inclusion policies of a potential employer when job seeking?
Potential candidates clearly buy into the brand of their future employees. A compelling and attractive employer brand can attract more women by increasing awareness, building trust and ultimately increasing quality applications.
You will also save on hiring costs. A company with a stronger employer brand than its competitors will see a 43% decrease in the cost per candidate they hire.
Giving control to women job seekers
Our partner WORK180 is a jobs network that connects smart businesses with talented women. They pre-screen every employer on their jobs board to see where they stand on pay equity, flexible working, paid parental leave, equal opportunities and a range of other criteria. They also take into account diversity initiatives focusing on age, ability, ethnicity and sexual orientation. The information is made public on their website, so that everyone knows what to expect from each employer before applying for a job.
Endorsed Employer BHP is a great example; they’ve employed over 1000 women in 2018, which is more than the last decade combined! In addition, they’ve noticed productivity on the rise within their most diverse worksites.
How does your company measure up?
WORK180 offers a complimentary employer branding checklist for companies interested in attracting more women. They ask you 15 questions that underpin a strong employer brand. Your answers are used to benchmark you against the numerous companies they work with.
The employer branding checklist will help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your employer brand by exploring key initiatives to help create awareness of your business. These include; leveraging employee quotes and stories, writing gender-neutral job adverts and using surveys to understand why employees value you and how you are perceived externally.
WORK180 have helped companies in some of the most non-traditional industries leverage employer branding to achieve outstanding results and have developed a winning formula for success. Led by two amazing women leaders, we think what they are doing is a game changer for women jobseekers and their way of working is helping companies become more inclusive.
Please get in touch with WORK180 if you would like to explore the checklist and understand how to influence your employer brand to increase diversity within your workplace.
Follow us @transportwm or on Linkedin Women in Transport for events, news and updates.
