The technology sector suffers from a perception problem that hinders its appeal to female candidates. To foster diversity, job descriptions must evolve significantly.
Laura Bartlett emphasises that the language used in tech recruitment plays a pivotal role in appealing to women. By making job roles sound innovative, the industry can bridge gender gaps.
The Current Perception of Tech Jobs
Laura Bartlett, founder of House of Coco, notes that today’s tech job descriptions often appear unattractive, especially to women. During the ‘In Our Own Words’ event, she highlighted how tech roles are frequently seen as dull and uninspiring.
Bartlett’s sentiments echoed the views shared during the panel, stressing the importance of portraying tech as an exciting innovation-driven field rather than merely technical tasks.
Empowering Through Exciting Opportunities
Bartlett believes that by offering engaging job descriptions, more women would be inclined to apply. She argues that the mundane presentation of tech positions discourages them.
Women’s perception that tech is not for them stems from how these roles are marketed. Promoting innovation and creativity could transform this perception.
Remote Work and Flexibility in Tech
Bartlett’s all-female team leverages technology for remote work, emphasising the flexibility available in tech careers. This approach can attract women who value work-life balance.
Using platforms like Facebook and Google Drive, her team collaborates effectively across distances, showcasing how tech enables seamless communication without conventional office constraints.
Emphasising flexible and remote work opportunities makes tech roles more accessible and desirable to women, aligning with modern work preferences.
Creating a Supportive Work Environment
Bartlett fosters a culture of empowerment, allowing her team to thrive within her company. She believes in leaders creating more leaders, focusing on developing strong women leaders.
Her business strategy revolves around helping employees achieve their personal goals, aligning them with the company’s success. This ethos nurtures talent and inspires women to pursue tech careers.
By demonstrating an inclusive and supportive work culture, Bartlett sets an example for how tech companies can attract and retain female talent.
Expanding Tech Opportunities Beyond Traditional Hubs
House of Coco plans to expand by establishing a northern hub, offering local opportunities in creative industries. This initiative will likely integrate more tech-centric roles.
Bartlett’s vision includes launching ‘Coco Gangs’ across cities, hosting events to foster community and innovation. Such initiatives highlight the broader scope of tech beyond traditional roles.
These expansions illustrate how tech can intersect with various industries, creating diverse opportunities that may appeal more to women.
Challenges and Resilience in Leadership
Despite facing numerous challenges, Bartlett’s determination stems from her aversion to working for others. This drive keeps her motivated to lead and innovate.
Her entrepreneurial journey encountered setbacks, yet she perseveres by focusing on her passion and vision.
The support network and community involvement she fosters provide strength to overcome obstacles, demonstrating resilience in a male-dominated industry.
Social Media’s Role in Tech Events
The ‘In Our Own Words’ event gained significant traction on Twitter, showcasing the power of social media in promoting tech initiatives and discussions.
Such platforms play a crucial role in reaching wider audiences and encouraging participation in tech dialogues, helping to reshape perceptions.
These engagements further validate the potential of tech events to drive awareness and inspire change across the industry.
Reimagining how tech jobs are marketed is crucial to engage more women. By showcasing exciting innovation, flexible work, and supportive cultures, the industry can tap into a broader talent pool, driving diversity.
Initiatives like those led by Bartlett are paving the way for a more inclusive tech landscape where women feel welcomed and motivated to participate.