Fostering Inclusion, Inspiring Innovation: Qlayers’ Approach to Diversity

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024 and its theme “Inspire Inclusion”, our CEO, Josefien Groot, shared her honest and valuable insights on fostering a genuinely inclusive workplace environment, particularly within the perceived male-dominated fields of engineering and robotics. Her interview delves into Qlayers’ approach to inclusion, the importance of self-awareness to young women in STEM, and her personal experiences navigating in a male-dominated industry. ​ Advancing Inclusion: “Qlayers’ Vision for a Truly Equitable Workplace” To Josefien, the term “Inclusion” goes beyond simply acknowledging diverse identities. She recognizes the progress made in recent years in bringing attention to the problem of separation and hierarchy within the workplace. While this awareness is crucial, Josefien believes it represents an intermediate stage rather than the ultimate goal. By focusing solely on supporting minority groups, there’s a risk of continuing their minority status. Josefien advocates for moving beyond this intermediate stage towards a point where inclusion is deeply embedded in the company’s culture, becoming a natural part of how things are done. ​ “At Qlayers, we truly value diversity and we aim for a future where inclusion is a natural part of our culture, and everyone is treated equally.”  ​ ​This philosophy translates to a work environment where everyone feels valued and respected for their unique contributions. Building a Space Where Everyone Feels Welcome: “Everyone should feel welcome, respected and valued” Josefien emphasizes the importance of creating a space where her team members can be their authentic selves at work. This means acknowledging them not just as employees, but as individuals with multifaceted lives. At Qlayers, we value this holistic approach to each person’s identity.​​ “At Qlayers, we believe everyone should feel comfortable to bring their full selves to work. We see you as more than just an employee; you’re a parent, a partner, a friend, with hobbies and passions outside of work. There should always be space for you to be yourself here. We understand that parenthood often requires flexibility, and we offer that to our employees. Additionally, our Qspirit room provides a tranquil space for relaxation, meditation, or whatever you need, with its soothing ambiance created by plants, Himalayan salt lamps, and calming red and infrared lights.”    ​As one of her lifelong goals is constant self-improvement and development, Josefien also wishes for her team members to tag along in this transformative journey whenever they feel like it. That is why, the company even organizes weekly mindfulness sessions and workout sessions for everyone, demonstrating its dedication to supporting the team’s overall well-being. ​ “To me, self-development is one of the things I value most in life, and I am very committed to it, constantly challenging myself in work, sports, food, and self-awareness and reflection. Recognizing the importance of practices like mindfulness and exercise for my own well-being, I am keen on sharing these with my team to support them in reaching their full potential.”  ​ Empowering Young Women in STEM: “Unleash your potential” Josefien delivers a powerful message to young women considering careers in STEM fields, urging them to pursue their passions with confidence and self-belief: “As a young woman, when you are contemplating your career and the decisions you want to make, please don’t hold yourself back.”  However, Josefien also acknowledges the potential for self-doubt and societal pressures to hinder young women’s aspirations. She emphasizes the crucial role of self-perception in overcoming these challenges: ​ “Remember, your perception shapes your reality. If you believe you belong in a certain field, you will find the confidence and strength to overcome any obstacles. Don’t let limiting beliefs hold you back. You are capable of incredible things.” By challenging limiting beliefs and embracing self-confidence, young women can navigate traditionally male-dominated industries and thrive in their chosen career paths. Beyond Words: Inspiring Inclusion through Action As Qlayers’ CEO, she leads by example, demonstrating that women can thrive in leadership positions within traditionally male-dominated industries. Additionally, Qlayers actively seeks to mentor and empower young women, promoting their professional development and leadership potential. ​ By prioritizing inclusion, diversity and creating an environment where everyone feels valued, Qlayers is not only fostering a thriving workplace but also inspiring positive change in the STEM industry. Reference list: Link to picture: https://www.randstad.ca/employers/workplace-insights/women-in-the-workplace/women-in-stem-where-we-are-now/ 0 Comments Leave a Reply.

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