This year, HR Tech Conference features ‘Women in HR Technology’. We thought it would be great to present the views of the leading women entrepreneurs and leaders in the HR industry about how they see the role of women in the future of the workplace.
Here is what they have to say:
Ilonka Jankovich, Venture Partner, Randstad Innovation Fund
"As an investor, I am impressed by the female entrepreneurs I see in HR tech. We have several companies in our portfolio founded and led by women, and we are impressed with their vision and drive. Transforming the future of the workplace means being able to change and learn quickly (agility) and connect on a personal level and communicate efficiently with many different and changing stakeholders. I see an important role for women in leading the change management which is key for transforming the future workplace. I hope to see more and more female entrepreneurs coming up with solutions which will revolutionize the workplace."
Jeanne Achille, Founder & CEO, The Devon Group & Co-chair, HR Technology Conference, Women in HR Tech Summit
“A diverse workforce is the source of creativity and innovation. Diversity results in better employee engagement and problem solving and improves customer satisfaction. Women in technology - in particular, HR technology - continue to make significant contributions in the workforce by driving positive business change, which is why it’s so important that serious discrepancies such as gender parity and pay equity be resolved.”
Ester Martinez, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, People Matters
“Women have a great opportunity to be equal partners in the designing of the future workplace. The concept of the "office" began with the merchant class, as companies grew in the eighteen century, so did their office needs, moving from a home to a larger building but was not until 1900 that business started to look at their workplace design strategically.
The challenge is that in the last two to three centuries business had seen very less representation of women and hence the workplace was mainly designed by men. The 20th century witnessed a radical increase in the number of women participating in labor markets across industrialized countries;
Today, the advances in technology present a great opportunity for the workplace to be "redesigned" to be more inclusive. Virtual and augmented reality provides a real opportunity to remote working, AI makes the bias-free process a reality (selection, promotion, and even rewards allocation); Automation of routine tasks makes jobs more flexible regarding space & time. We live in a historical moment when the workplace is being redesigned as we speak and an opportunity to make this design inclusive for everyone to be their best possibility – women, and men.”
Linda Ginac, CEO, TalentGuard
“Having a resource that highlights the challenges faced and the best practices utilized by women leaders in HR is powerful. ‘HRTech & Women’ gives women the opportunity to share their experiences and inspire change.
The next generation of employees entering the workforce have the opportunity to be lead and inspired by remarkable women who are driving innovation and building successful businesses. This impact empowers more women to take on leadership positions and for organizations to acquire different perspectives and skills that are critical to a company’s success.”
Debra Ingram, Director, HR Technology and Operations, Epicor
“Though a lot of progress still has to be made (women still only make up less than 25% of the IT workforce), we are finally seeing women making significant advancement into the traditional “boy’s club” of technology. This progression is due to Millennials and Gen Z-ers having more access than earlier generations to hands-on STEM programs targeted at developing their exposure and capability. Encouraging women to grow in the technology space is important to Epicor and partnerships with organizations like Austin Women in Technology allow for networking and educational opportunities that we consider very important.”
Stephanie Lampkin, Founder & CEO. Blendoor
“Gender bias is a topic of concern. We all have experienced bias at a certain point in our career. I don’t see gender bias as an obstacle in getting ahead but an opportunity to build momentum and strength. Though companies are providing standard benefits such as paid leave and child care assistance, they should support women by having gender parity in leadership roles (CXO, VPs, managers, board of directors), monitoring compensation, sponsoring leadership development and promoting equity decisions.”
Want to know more about the growing role of women in the HR tech industry? Read about the top 7 influential women in HR tech who have made notable career advancements.
Are you attending HR Tech Conference? Please say hello to us at booth no. 2058.
See you there!
