Diversity Day 2024 | Making Quantum More Inclusive

First Tuesday in October marks Diversity Day in the Netherlands. Today, we celebrate the diversity of the Dutch society under the motto “Diversity Enriches” by actively encouraging everyone to appreciate the differences and to embrace and use everyone’s unique talents. By fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, we create a more vibrant, innovative, and productive society.

Benefits of Diverse Teams

Not only does diversity enrich our society and our personal lives, it has been scientifically proven that in the workplace, diverse teams increase creativity and innovation (McKinsey & Co., 2020), lead in better decision-making (Harvard Business Review, 2013), broaden the talent pool (Deloitte, 2017) and improve employee engagement and retention (Gallup, 2017; Catalyst, 2020).

Inclusion Before Diversity

Our goal at WIQD is to spread this message in the field of Quantum which is remarkably lacking in diversity, especially in positions of power. However, before we diversify and introduce new talent to the field, it is crucial to create an inclusive environment where everybody feels like they belong. By doing this, we ensure that the diverse talent we hired stays in the company. You can read more about empowering women and other underrepresented groups in our previous blog.

Our Mission: Making Quantum More Inclusive

At WIQD, our mission is to make Quantum more inclusive through support, networking and community building. But creating a more inclusive and equitable quantum field is not something we can do alone. Leaders in Quantum should take responsibility for fostering workplaces where diverse perspectives are not just welcomed but valued.

Our goal is to reach a point where organizations like WIQD are no longer necessary because inclusion is the norm. But until then, we all have a role to play in creating a more equal Quantum field. Think about how you contribute to a more inclusive and equitable Quantum field.

Join Our Next Inspirational Talk

If you’re interested in learning more about the experiences of women and other underrepresented groups in Quantum Technology or want to hear inspiring career journeys, join our next Inspirational Talk! Let’s continue the conversation on how we can all contribute to a more inclusive, equitable and diverse future in Quantum.