Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the STEM Workplace

Responding to the latest Global Talent Trends and Insights survey, conducted in collaboration between SRG and New Scientist, employees within STEM have highlighted the role of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) in their workplace and how its importance will help shape the future of how companies and industries across STEM will operate in the near and distant future.

Why is Equality, Diversity and Inclusion important in STEM?

Companies across all industries, not just those in STEM, are under increasing pressure to be transparent regarding their approach to the composition of their workforce, who they hire and how they decided to hire them, and equality in the workplace for all. This is part of a transformational change in the corporate approach to Ethics, Governance and Sustainability.

At the heart of every approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a drive to ensure that everyone is given equal and fair opportunities to begin and build a successful career, develop themselves personally and professionally, and continue to be provided with opportunities to grow throughout their career journey.

But creating the right approach, and providing an equal, diverse and inclusive workplace for all, is vitally important for companies, the way they operate and their success too. Being a transparent company, open to people of all genders, sexuality, race, religion and social background widens the talent pool from which to build and grow a multi-skilled, driven workforce that promotes and generates positive results, as supported by Neil Jacques – Client Solutions Director at SRG UK – who states “If you want to be a world leader, you need the best brains from all groups and individuals.”

The Impact of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion on the STEM Workforce: Our Insights Overview

To take the first step to creating and building an effective ED&I approach, or to adapt an existing approach, it is vital to gather data and insights on which to base future decisions and gauge employee thoughts on the topic.

Based on answers to questions on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion asked as part of the Global Talent Trends and Insights survey, there are reasons to believe that positive steps are already being taken, with many respondents reporting an awareness of a change in the ED&I landscape.

For example, 40% of UK-based respondents reported seeing visible efforts from their organisations to be more diverse; 19% of North American respondents highlighted seeing hiring practices reviewed; and in Europe, 14% of respondents reported diversity data being made available and visible to them.

However, concerns do still remain, particularly in relation to STEM pay inequalities and the gender and ethnicity pay gap, as statistics from the Global Talent Trends and Insights report show:

• UK Black employees earn on average £19,520 below their White co-workers

• UK Asian employees earn on average £8,270 below their White co-workers

• UK female employees earn 19% less than males

• North American female employees earn 8% less than males

• European female employees earn 15% less than males

Commenting on these statistics, Emma Brown, Strategic Accounts Director at SRG in the UK, says “This inequality is not acceptable, particularly when we are trying so hard to attract women into STEM. It speaks volumes.”

Meanwhile, according to Tracy Monsour – Senior Vice President of Marketing for Impellam Group, SRG’s corporate entity – the ethnicity pay gap in North America also raises important questions, stating “We must have equitable compensation for people from all groups… If we are not being equitable, how do we ensure we have an inclusive culture?”

Global Talent Trends & Insights 2024: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Statistics

For a detailed analysis and summary of our full ED&I statistics, as well as valuable insights into salary expectations, the gender pay gap and the impact of AI in STEM, download your copy of SRG’s Global Talent Trends & Insights 2024 below.