Samantha Sophia On the eve of International Women’s Day 2023, Sarah Dixon, Enterprise Sales & Commercial Director UK&I at Johnson Controls, comments on her experience as the only woman in a male dominated team.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme of #EmbracingEquity reminds us how we need to champion a diverse workforce, but also highlights the positive changes that have been made so far.
It’s no surprise that our business has traditionally been a male dominated one. In fact, when I first joined the industry, I was the only woman in the team. However, International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to highlight the positive changes and how we’re making great progress at encouraging more women to join our industry.
In recent years, we’ve talked a lot about bringing a shift to culture in our industry but while gender diversity is a key part of the puzzle, improving it can’t be a standalone measure. We need so much more than that.
A diverse and inclusive workforce gives a competitive advantage
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A diverse and inclusive workforce gives a competitive advantage, reflecting the varied markets our industry serves and helping to deliver best-in-class service. It’s an approach that will make our industry synonymous with collaboration, delivering new and connected ways of working while turning the tide on the fragmented practices of the past.
Put simply, a diverse workforce breeds a positive, collaborative culture. If industry leaders create the right environment, they will ultimately reap the benefits. Success relies on the engagement and emotional connection employees have to the values of their business and how these are baked into its culture. With this company-wide buy-in and support, leaders will be able to deliver greater diversity of thought and a well-rounded approach to fire safety – not only on International Women’s Day, but every day.
