As an industry, cybersecurity has always been challenged by a shortage of supply when it comes to talent. This is further complicated by a lack of diversity, an issue that when addressed well has always proven to deliver stronger teams and better results. But I believe the cybersecurity industry has a great opportunity to become a mechanism for change in the fight for diversity, equity and inclusion.
As the digital revolution continues, cybersecurity positions have grown three times faster than other IT positions. By 2021, unfilled cyber positions are estimated to be roughly 3.5 million worldwide. I think these numbers will be even greater, accelerated by the pandemic.
As leaders in this field, it is our responsibility to ensure that we are educating, recruiting and training talent that is reflective of the diversity around us. Here at Siemens, we often say that technology is only as powerful as the people behind it. I believe a diverse workforce helps us better leverage the technology we have at our disposal, making both our teams and technology stronger. Diversity extends beyond the inherent attributes such as gender, age and ethnicity. We continue to learn that diversity mirrors who we are through acquired attributes such as education, socio-economic background, nationality, job experience, religion, sexual orientation and other factors.
That is why Siemens sponsors Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) formed by employees with commonalities in areas such as ethnicity, gender, disability and sexual orientation. With 10 ERGs and several active chapters, ERGs are supportive, inclusive networks of employees who share knowledge, celebrate culture and backgrounds, and build meaningful relationships across our company. ERGs provide leadership and growth opportunities to our members, and work to build a talented, thriving, diverse community. Both companies and employees benefit from these types of strong diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Companies get a broader set of perspectives which helps foster innovation, so being intentional with building diverse teams should be at the top of the list for every manager. An inclusive business recognizes, appreciates and values the differences. More important, it’s just the right thing to do. Every person matters and deserves a fair and equitable chance to be successful.
Fostering a culture that utilizes different perspectives, skills, ideas and innovations for the good of the organization also contributes to employees having a sense of belonging. This allows employees to be their authentic selves at work, and when individuals are comfortable, they are engaged, connected and can be more productive.
Additionally, collaborating across industry, with the government and non-profits, is also an essential part of making a real impact. Siemens continues to support legislation that can dedicate federal dollars to programs that help train and educate diverse talent across multiple STEM areas. And the Siemens Foundation continues to contribute to the betterment of our communities through schools.
But more needs to be done, and not just when matters of diversity and inclusion dominate the news cycle as they have recently, but always. There’s a real need in the cybersecurity field for businesses and leaders themselves to take up the mantle of advancing diversity and equity. Here at Siemens we will continue to push ourselves to improve our own diversity, equity and inclusion practices because we believe it makes a difference. We work in a unique industry on the frontlines of a major challenge that affects everyone that uses a connected device and spans across industries, geographies and backgrounds. With the right education and tools, there are millions of people who would love to work in this field. We just need to connect them with opportunities.
So, I urge other cybersecurity leaders – find and mentor underserved youth and help connect them with opportunities. Teach them as much as you can on how to navigate life and set them up for success. Leverage your professional networks to empower them to make their own connections and introduce them to others in our field. By doing this we can overcome this challenge, help strengthen our industry and improve the lives of others at the same time.