At Advania Norway we put considerable effort into recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce. As a team lead for customer service at Advania, Torjus Hebjerk Carlsen-Kirkemo has had first-hand experience of the crucial role leaders play in shaping diverse teams.
"I’ve observed that some male leaders may hesitate to hire talent with a less technical background, arguably impacting gender equality efforts. We emphasise a ‘train for skills, hire for attitude’-approach, which broadens the talent pool, and provides more opportunities for diversity and fostering a richer work environment," Torjus says.
It is important to remember that inclusion starts in the recruitment process. The language used in a job advertisement as well as interview techniques can significantly influence the demographic of applicants, particularly in terms of diversity.
Creating an inclusive work environment starts with inclusive leadership
As a leader you need to recognise the impact you have as an ally, sponsor, and role model on creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued for the unique perspectives they bring. Inclusive leadership encourages people to show up as their true selves, fostering authenticity and a sense of belonging.
"To achieve a good balance, leaders must be mindful of combining technical proficiency with an appreciation for skills like precision, which are traditionally considered to be softer qualities. This requires expanding the traditional search field," Torjus explains.
We work hard to make every individual feel that they have a place in the company, regardless of their self-identified gender. Seeing that diverse teams consistently outperform homogenous teams, bringing valuable perspectives and fostering innovation, we also make a point of following up on how employees perceive the gender diversity work and their own personal development.
Girl Tech Fest 2023 (photo: Gorm Gaare)
Inspiring the next generation to pursue a career in IT
In 2022, only 30% of women pursued STEM subjects in Norway. We are resolute in our mission to change this and
realise that the groundwork for change should be established early on.
In the fall of 2023, we attended Girl Tech Fest, an event hosted by IKT Norway, TENK, and Realfagsrekruttering at
the Technical Museum in Oslo. This event brought together 300 enthusiastic fifth grade girls, several of them participating
in a coding workshop organised by our employees. Using Lego SPIKE , the girls engaged in creating stories and
songs, discovering first-hand the practical and enjoyable aspects of technology.
"Our team members shared insights into their diverse career paths within the IT sector, covering areas from
databases to customer service, and from data analytics to sustainability. Our objective was clear: to demonstrate to
these young girls that there is a welcoming space for them in IT, regardless of their backgrounds or interests.
By establishing diverse teams, allowing, and encouraging employees to be their authentic selves, and showcasing
these efforts publicly, we are doing our part to inspire a broader audience to explore technology-related fields,"
Torjus concludes.
