When it comes to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, many organizations face challenges in ensuring that all employees have equal opportunities for growth and development. This was the case at an Equinix – the digital infrastructure company, where a decline in female director level engagement scores raised concerns about the lack of alignment and engagement among female employees. However, the solution was found in an unexpected place – through the implementation of a coaching program with BetterUp.
The HR team needed to act and advise the business. At a roundtable discussion, female directors were asked what could be done to help improve their alignment and engagement. Their response was clear – they wanted a coach or mentor to help guide them in their career development. The company took this feedback seriously and conducted due diligence to find the best partner for the program, ultimately deciding on BetterUp.
The program involved pairing each female director with a coach who could help them set and achieve career goals, as well as provide support and guidance as they navigated the challenges of working at the director level. Over the course of one year, all of the directors who participated in the program remained with the company, had better engagement scores, and requested to continue coaching for another year.
The success of this program can be attributed to a number of factors:
- Personalized Development Plans: the focus on coaching allowed for personalized development plans that were tailored to the specific needs and goals of each individual director. This approach helped to build trust and rapport between the coaches and the directors, leading to a more collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Investing in Career Growth: the program’s focus on career development and growth helped to create a sense of purpose and meaning for the directors, leading to higher levels of engagement and motivation. By providing opportunities for skill-building, professional development, and career advancement, the program helped to demonstrate that the company was invested in the long-term success and well-being of its employees.
- Choice of a Partner: the success of the program can be attributed to the choice of partner. BetterUp is a coaching platform that uses a science-backed approach to help individuals develop their leadership skills, build resilience, and achieve their career goals. The company’s focus on evidence-based coaching and its use of technology to facilitate coaching sessions allowed for a scalable and effective program that could be tailored to meet the specific needs of the female directors.
“BetterUp offered us personalized development at scale. Meeting each director where they needed the most unique growth support. By using AI to match the best coach to each employee, and a focus on the whole person, we saw amazing results,” shared Larry McAlister, #1 International Best Selling Author and talent transformation expert, as well as, former Vice President, Global Talent Management at Equinix.
The success of this coaching program is a testament to the power of personalized development plans and the importance of investing in the career growth and well-being of employees. By providing opportunities for coaching, companies can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment, which can lead to higher levels of engagement, motivation, and retention.
This program demonstrates the potential for technology to facilitate coaching programs in a scalable and effective manner. By leveraging the power of technology and evidence-based coaching techniques, organizations can provide personalized support to employees regardless of their location or schedule.
The coaching program implemented at the internet publishing company is a prime example of how companies can promote alignment and engagement among their female employees. By providing opportunities for personalized development plans and investing in the long-term success of their female employees, companies can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment that benefits both female employees and the organization as a whole.
What specific challenges do female leaders face in your organization, and how can coaching support their career development and overcome these challenges?