Increasing the number of women in the workplace yields big advantages.
As long as I have been working in the office imaging and production print industry, I couldn’t help but keep an eye on the diversity of teams and the lack thereof. Whether it’s an OEM or a dealership, the presence of women in the field seems conspicuously sparse.
In an era where traditional hardware sales are dwindling, and the shift towards managed, well, almost anything, is becoming more pronounced, companies solely relying on copiers and printers find themselves at a crossroads. Those who have embraced managed IT, data security, and software solutions are identifying new avenues for growth. This transformative period demands innovative thinking and fresh perspectives, underscoring the critical need for more women in leadership positions.
Several market research searches on diversity and performance bolster the argument for increasing the number of women in pivotal roles:
- Teams with gender-balanced leadership tend to deliver higher returns than their counterparts.
- Organizations led by women, including those with female CEOs and board members, have seen more returns on invested capital than those without.
- Companies needing more female representation in executive roles often lag behind the industry average in financial performance.
- Startups with at least one female founder secure two and a half times greater funding than those founded solely by men.
The evidence is clear: diversity is not just a metric; it’s a strategic advantage. For the office imaging sector, seeking revitalization in a rapidly evolving market, including women in strategic roles, is not just beneficial—it’s essential.
Beyond the compelling financial incentives, there are profound ethical considerations. Equity, fairness, and the responsibility to pave the way for future generations are paramount. These moral imperatives and the undeniable business case make a compelling argument for gender diversity across all teams and in leadership.
Recognizing the Power of Women Leaders
Some forward-thinking imaging solutions providers are already reaping the benefits of balanced leadership teams. They attribute their robust financial growth over the past decade to a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. In some cases, with women constituting a generous two-digit percentage of their workforce, those companies have successfully diversified into fast-growing areas like managed security services.
Yet, many in the industry remain entrenched in male-dominated leadership structures despite numerous opportunities for change. The reasons vary from narrow internal succession planning to recruitment efforts within traditional networks. This lack of gender diversity at the top echelons hampers responsiveness, innovation, and financial outcomes.
Empowering Women Leaders in the Office Imaging Industry: Five Strategies
Deliberate actions are necessary to harness the benefits of diversity. But what can you do? Here are five strategies that have proven effective:
- Set and Publicize Gender Representation Targets: Establish clear goals for female leadership representation and publicize these objectives to ensure accountability.
- Forge Partnerships: Collaborate with organizations, educational institutions, and professional groups dedicated to training and recruiting talented women. Expand recruitment efforts to include a broader pool of female candidates.
- Support Internal Communities: Foster internal networks to support women pursuing careers in office imaging. Provide access to mentoring, leadership visibility, and advancement opportunities.
- Analyze and Adjust Talent Policies: Conduct thorough reviews of talent management policies to identify and eliminate biases. Implement changes to promote equal access.
- Monitor and Report on Diversity Metrics: Keep a close eye on recruitment, retention, and career progression metrics for women. Address areas of concern promptly and share progress widely.
The Bottom Line: A Silver Lining on the Diversity Horizon
Ultimately, the push for more women in influential roles within office imaging boils down to value creation. Research consistently shows that diversity leads to higher revenues, better returns, and competitive advantages in a digital transformation market.
As traditional products like copiers and printers become less central, the demand for differentiated services delivered through exceptional customer experiences grows. Women excel in fostering strong relationships, emotional intelligence, creativity, and empathy—qualities increasingly recognized as critical for leadership success.
The data and success stories speak volumes: Gender-diverse teams make smarter decisions and devise more effective strategies. For the office imaging industry, embracing a future where women occupy at least half of all leadership positions is not just a moral imperative—it’s the smartest route to enduring success.
And speaking of the horizon, more and more countries and imaging-related organizations are honoring women in imaging and print with dedicated awards, the U.K., India, and Australia, to name a few, and, of course, the U.S. with The Cannata Report’s Women Influencers initiative.
