Breaking Barriers, Eliminating Bias, and Building a Diverse, Inclusive, and Equitable STEM Industry
Our mission goes beyond simply helping skilled professionals return to the workforce. We are committed to transforming the STEM industry into a space where diversity, inclusion, and equity are not just ideals, but realities.
The Challenge: Barriers and Bias
The STEM industry is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field, but it is also one that has long struggled with diversity and inclusion. Many talented professionals, particularly women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and those with non-linear career paths, face significant barriers when trying to re-enter the industry after a career break.
Some of these barriers include:
Career Gap Stigma: Employers may unfairly view career breaks as a sign of unreliability or lack of ambition and unfair assumptions about knowledge, skills and commitment.
Limited Flexibility: Finding roles that offer needed flexibility can be difficult, further hindering a return to work.
Unconscious Bias: Decisions are often unconsciously made related to age, gender, or ethnic background, making it harder to get a fair chance. These decisions exclude rather than include.
Isolation: A lack of support and networks for returners erodes confidence and hinders job search and performance in interviews.
On a Mission: Creating an Equitable STEM Sector
We believe that diversity and inclusion are the cornerstones of innovation and progress in the STEM industry. Our programmes are designed to dismantle the barriers that prevent talented professionals from re-entering the workforce and to create a more equitable environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Championing Diversity
We actively seek out and support returners from diverse backgrounds, helping to create a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the world around us. By partnering with forward-thinking organisations, we work to ensure that diverse voices are heard and valued in every STEM discipline.
Promoting Inclusion
Inclusion is about more than just diversity—it’s about ensuring that every individual feels valued and supported. Our programmes provide returners with the tools, mentorship, and community they need to succeed. By fostering an inclusive environment, we help organisations retain top talent and drive long-term success.
Advocating for Equity
Equity is about giving individuals the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. At STEM Returners, we collaborate with organisations to design programmes that are flexible, supportive, and fair. These opportunities ensure that professionals from all career paths can thrive and make meaningful contributions.
The Impact: Why It Matters
By breaking down barriers and eliminating biases, we are helping to build a STEM industry that is not only more inclusive and diverse but also more innovative and resilient. A diverse, inclusive, and equitable STEM industry leads to:
- Outperformance: Companies that are more diverse and inclusive are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors.
- Decision-making: Diverse teams are 87% better at making decisions.
- Higher innovation: Inclusive companies are 1.7 times more likely to be innovation leaders.
- Increased market share: Diverse companies are 70% more likely to capture new markets.
- More revenue: Diverse management teams lead to 19% higher revenue
A Better Future for STEM
We believe that the future of STEM depends on breaking down barriers and building an industry where diversity, inclusion, and equity are the norm, not the exception. By partnering with STEM Returners, you can be a part of this important mission.
