Recognizing the need for diversity within the material handling industry, ProLift Toyota Material Handling launched ELEVATE, an Employee Resource Group that positions our company as an employer of choice for women. Through its leadership structure and woman-centric approach, ELEVATE provides resources for inclusion, growth, and development for associates of ProLift. The women’s impact network also supports the recruitment of women while strengthening the retaining of current talent.
Survey results from Women in the Workplace 2022 reported 48% of women leaders left their companies for an advancement opportunity. When asked if career advancement is important, 31% of women leaders responded yes, and when breaking out women under 30, this answer increased to 58%. Recent studies have shown slight upswings since 2017 in women obtaining advanced roles; however, at a senior manager level or above, only 40% of those reported roles were held by women. Within the material handling industry and our dealerships, we tend to benchmark at lower percentages.
Getting Started
Organizing ELEVATE started organically with women at ProLift during informal discussions. While we didn’t claim it to be the only or most important group to form, we recognized the need for gender diversity in the material handling industry, and we were excited to give it focus. To form ELEVATE, ProLift used the following suggestions:
- Formed a steering committee
- Secured an annual budget
- Developed charter to include group mission and core values
- Created group name, logo, and communication tools (i.e. Sharepoint, LinkedIn)
- Hosted open houses for associates to share ideas and ask questions
- Built an annual calendar of programming and events
Programming
Understanding ELEVATE’s core values of professional development, networking, and community service was essential for building aligned programs and events. It has led us to provide topics that are valued by women at ProLift and challenged us to deliver them in various formats, including in-person, virtual, and online e-Learning sessions. The steering committee also evaluates our programming for continuous improvement to ensure associate participation remains high. Ideas for your women’s impact network might include:
- Recognizing Women’s History Month
- Inviting women to speak on their career path within the material handling
- Educating associates on how to advance their careers and earn mentors
- Promoting women’s leadership conferences, books, and podcasts
- Scheduling roundtable discussions and member spotlights to encourage networking
- Volunteering with local non-profits that support women in the community
- Partnering with other dealerships and Toyota on programming and events
Forming a women’s impact network requires the support of your dealership’s executive leadership as well as people committed to giving time and energy to the group, but it only takes a few to create action. If your dealership is considering this initiative and has questions related to ELEVATE, please contact Lorie Leitner at ProLift Toyota Material Handling: lleitner@prolifttoyota.com or (800) 583.4023.