24 Tips for Each Hour of #IWD18

International Women’s Day is a time to honor women’s achievements while also drawing global attention to the work that still needs to be done to achieve true gender equity. In that spirit, we thought we’d share 24 of our tips that employers and managers in the tech industry can use to help make their workplaces more inclusive for women and other underrepresented minorities.
We’d love to hear your ideas, too! In the comments, let us know what strategies you’ve used to increase and celebrate diversity in the tech field.

Connect women employees with mentors within your organization – people who have been there a while, understand the culture, and can offer guidance and advice. // Top 10 Ways Managers Can Increase the Visibility of Technical Women
If you notice unconscious bias in your workplace, take action! From policy changes to one-on-one conversations, you can use your influence to create a more inclusive environment. // Top 10 Ways to Be a Male Advocate for Technical Women
Keep an eye out for career advancement opportunities for women on your team. Encourage them to apply, and endorse them enthusiastically! // Top 10 Ways to Be an Effective Sponsor
Model work-life balance. When male leaders use family leave, support flexible scheduling, & make time for personal activities, it’s easier for women employees to take advantage of these options without fear of reprisal. // Top 10 Ways to Be a Male Advocate for Technical Women
Unconscious biases can lead us to recognize “motivation” or “initiative” more easily in “people like us.” To counter this effect, actively look for & reward leadership qualities in team members from underrepresented groups. // Top 10 Ways to Be an Effective Sponsor
Choose women for visible roles at high-profile events. Identify, recommend, and select women to be speakers, panelists, and facilitators. // Top 10 Ways Managers Can Increase the Visibility of Technical Women
It can feel risky for women to bring up gender bias at work. Male colleagues can help make it safer by asking questions and sharing their observations about how gender shapes the work environment. // Top 10 Ways to Be a Male Advocate for Technical Women

When women employees have a sponsor – someone to advocate for them and make sure their work gets seen – they’re four times more likely to stay with a company. // Top 10 Ways Managers Can Retain Technical Women
Encourage men in leadership roles to attend events for women in tech. Their interest will be welcomed, and they’ll get a valuable perspective on top areas of concern for female colleagues. // Top 10 Ways to Be a Male Advocate for Technical Women
Practice listening to a range of communication styles, not just those who tend to speak out easily and often. Actively seek input from quieter team members. // Top 10 Ways Managers Can Retain Technical Women
What unspoken expectations shape your workplace culture? Make “hidden rules” visible by talking about them with women who are new to the team. // Top 10 Ways to Be a Male Advocate for Technical Women
Let them shine! Give female employees explicit responsibility for tech assignments with clear expectations so they can demonstrate their skills in action. // Top 10 Ways Managers Can Retain Technical Women
Establish accountability metrics for diversity initiatives in your company. When progress can be measured and evaluated based on real data, change happens faster. // Top 10 Ways to Be a Male Advocate for Technical Women

Help technical women who are entering the workforce prepare for leadership roles by encouraging them to develop all-around business acumen so they can manage key projects with confidence. // Top 10 Ways Managers Can Retain Technical Women
Role models with whom diverse employees can identify are important for recruitment, retention, employee satisfaction, and productivity. Promote female leaders who model a range of leadership styles. // Top 10 Ways to Be a Male Advocate for Technical Women
Some leadership roles may require specific types of experience. Work with junior women to help them develop the right background for such roles. // Top 10 Ways Managers Can Increase the Visibility of Technical Women
Getting ahead takes more than great tech skills. You can help women employees get a strong start by sharing your knowledge of the industry landscape with new team members. // Top 10 Ways Managers Can Retain Technical Women
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all pathway to professional success, and what worked for you may not be the right approach for your mentee. Help them advance by playing to their strengths! // Top 10 Ways to Be an Effective Sponsor
Publicly recognize women for their accomplishments. Research shows women are more likely to give the credit to their team, so be sure to celebrate their contributions! // Top 10 Ways Managers Can Increase the Visibility of Technical Women
Offer early, specific, and ongoing feedback. Give women on your team concrete examples of things they did well and areas to improve, and they’ll feel your investment in their long-term success. // Top 10 Ways Managers Can Retain Technical Women

It’s very important for male allies to talk to other men about gender bias in the workplace. Try practicing with people you trust to give you a fair hearing. // Top 10 Ways to Be a Male Advocate for Technical Women
Encourage women employees to join professional associations and participate in tech conferences, and provide time and funding for these activities. // Top 10 Ways Managers Can Increase the Visibility of Technical Women
Watch out patterns in task assignment that disadvantage female employees. Women are often given less visible roles, so keep track of which employees get more creative or leadership tasks over time. // Top 10 Ways Managers Can Retain Technical Women
Listen to women! Hearing colleagues share about their challenges can inspire advocates to push for change. Actively encourage the women to tell you their stories. You might be surprised at what you learn! // Top 10 Ways to Be a Male Advocate for Technical Women

 

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