The Chief Human Capital Officers Council has posted a presentation by NASA, one of the agencies most heavily weighted toward jobs focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, on recruiting and retaining women in those so-called STEM positions.
Three-fifths of NASA’s workforce consists of professional, scientific and engineering positions, and 35 percent of its workforce is female—respectively, well above and well below the government’s averages.
The best practices presentation cites recruiting activities such agency presence at career fairs, conferences and school visits, agency-sponsored events, use of social media, and maintaining relationships with universities. The primary mechanism, however, is use of internship programs to connect with women in those fields early in their careers.
“Retention steps include using flexible work schedules, telework, and other work/life balance programs; family assistance programs such as parenting classes, child care center, scholarship programs, counseling services; wellness programs; worksite lactation facilities; and bring our children to work day. Also stressed is promoting gender diversity in development programs to help women prepare for senior positions.
