Gender Gap in Plastics Companies

Closing the Gender Gap is a Priority for Plastics Companies

Closing the gender gap in the plastics industry is a priority for company owners and leaders.

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Mark Stocker

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Closing the gender gap in the plastics industry is a priority for company owners and leaders.

According to Boell.org, around 30% of workers in the plastics industry are women. Women have been underrepresented in the field for far too long and it is time to change that.

By bringing more women into the industry, companies can tap into a wealth of talent, skills, and experience that have previously gone untapped. This will not only create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, but it will also help to drive innovation, improve competitiveness, and boost productivity.

Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion are more likely to attract and retain top talent, and this will help them to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing and highly competitive industry. With a concerted effort, the plastics industry can become a leader in diversity and inclusion, and a model for other industries to follow.


Taking the First Steps

In order to close the gender gap, companies must first acknowledge and address the barriers that prevent women from entering and advancing in the industry.

This may include unconscious biases, lack of flexible work arrangements, and a lack of female role models and mentors. Companies must work to create an inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel valued and supported, and where diversity is seen as a strength rather than a hindrance.

 

Equal Pay Means Equal Stay

Regular pay equity audits can help identify and address any pay disparities based on gender. This can ensure that women are paid fairly for the same work, improve retention rates and help to close the gender pay gap.

Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion are more likely to attract and retain top talent according to Plastics Today, and this will help them to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing and highly competitive industry.

 

Changing the Work Environment

In addition to creating a supportive workplace, companies can also take proactive steps to recruit and retain female talent.

Offering flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible schedules, can help to attract and retain female employees who may have caregiving responsibilities. In fact, flexible work arrangements are one of the most sought after perks of 2023. This can improve job satisfaction and increase productivity.

Companies should also work to create a culture of mentorship, where women can seek guidance and support from experienced colleagues and leaders.

 

Putting Words Into Action

Implementing diversity and inclusion training is a crucial step in closing the gender gap in the workplace. This type of training helps to raise awareness of unconscious biases, promote cultural understanding, and foster a more inclusive workplace culture.

The training can be designed to meet the specific needs of the company and its employees, covering topics such as gender equality, intersectionality, and microaggressions. The training can also be interactive and include role-playing exercises and group discussions to encourage active participation and facilitate a deeper understanding of the topics covered.

 

Moving Pawns to Queens

Promoting women to leadership positions can help to increase representation and visibility of female talent within the company. This can serve as an inspiration to other female employees and encourage more women to pursue leadership roles.

Men hold the overwhelming majority of leadership positions in the plastics industry, and changing this trend can make a huge impact for your business.

 

Final Thoughts

Closing the gender gap in the plastics industry is not only the right thing to do, it is also good for business.

By taking proactive steps to address barriers, create an inclusive culture, and recruit and retain female talent, companies can position themselves for long-term success and growth.

For more information on hiring the top talent in the plastics industry, please click here.

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