We write code every day, solve the most complex of issues, and diligently come up with the most simple and sophisticated solutions for every complex problem. We are Engineers, Designers, Lawyers, Business experts and more. But most importantly we wake up every day, and proudly call ourselves as problem solvers. Yet, there’s one problem for which we seem to come up with the weakest of solutions. Much has been spoken about it, and still so much to be done. Let’s talk about the Women in Tech.
Issues around equal representation and Women in Tech are spoken about a lot, they need no introduction. From hiring more women, to mentoring more young women to pursue Engineering degrees, a lot of solutions have been proposed and implemented. While it is great to make sure the hiring pool is diverse and there’s equal representation, we should also remember to talk about what happens post hiring. Take a step back, look around you and ask the women around if they’re doing well. Ask them what is making them stay, what is making them choose this life every day. Working with an organisation is not a one time decision, but something we choose over and again, every single day.
I’m an Engineer at Mammoth Analytics. We are a design-focused software company, and our goal is to revolutionise the analytics space. I would like to talk about our experience with achieving equal representation, well almost. We are a 15 member team, with 7 women across Engineering, testing, design and business, in India and London. I spoke to some of my colleagues on what makes them choose Mammoth every single day, and here’s what they have to say.
1. “Work-life balance, on my terms”
“But he can pull an all-nighter when required, and carries a tooth brush in his bag every day; If that is not possible for you then may be this isn’t where you should be.”
Rashmi, QA lead at Mammoth, Ex Microsoft, says, the most important aspect about working in Mammoth for her, is being able to have a work-life balance, on her terms. “I took a break from work when we started a family, and eventually wanted to get back to professional life. I was looking to get back part-time, and on a flexible timing. There were multiple springboard programs that offered to take me in, but after so many years of experience, being offered an internship and starting over was more of an insult than equal opportunity. When Mammoth offered me a senior position, and on a part-time basis, I immediately took it up.”
As the only woman on the team when she joined, she talks about how the team was extremely supportive and sensitive to her requirements. There were times when she could only do a couple hours a day, and sometimes she had to bring her children into work, especially during summer breaks. This isn’t just Rashmi’s experience, but something every woman faces at some point during her life, being forced to make that choice between career and family because of flexibility the organisation wouldn’t offer.
2. “Remote work”
We’re in an era where people opting for remote work is not rare. Yet, there are so many organisations where the process doesn’t support remote work, despite having a lot of collaboration tools at their disposal. We scream and shout about sustainability and work culture, but what really affects these directly is the process we have set up around the work.
Priya, who is a part of the QA team at Mammoth says, “The notion that a woman can have a career in addition to nurturing a family, or being a stay-at-home mom is not a popular thought people share, especially where I come from.” It is this mental barrier that Priya has overcome. She has been with Mammoth for the past five years. In this time, her life has evolved through many phases, including starting a new family, but Mammoth has always been a constant through everything. Even when she is working out of a remote area with limited internet connectivity and frequent power shutdowns, the processes setup around her work has enabled her to contribute to her fullest.
3. “Flexible work timing”
“Don’t worry about clocking hours, we’re good as long as you can complete the task”
Lina, UX lead at Mammoth, was a student during her first year in the company. She switched between classes and work, and had a really hectic schedule. She recalls having to change her schedule every 3 months, but the team was extremely supportive. When Lina joined us, she was the only woman in the London team when it all started. She remembers how she was always treated as an equal, right from her initial interactions with the team, especially when she was working directly with our CEO.
She was initially concerned about the weight her opinions would carry given how male dominated the Tech industry is. However she never really had to worry about it here. Lina says, “We have more women in our London team now. It’s always been comfortable to know that everything is open to discussion, and my opinion and feedback matters.”
4. “Inclusive work culture”
In our mission to provide an inspiring and inclusive work culture, we have thrown the archaic biases and conventions out the window. Every team member is encouraged to challenge the status quo and have a direct influence in the company direction. The result is an outstanding team, building an innovative and game-changing product.
-Gaurav Dudhoria, CEO, Mammoth Analytics
Valentina, Finance manager at Mammoth, used to work at a medium sized firm with 150+ employees. She recalls having a comfortable environment with a non-sexist culture and equal pay. But when she realised she wanted to climb up the hierarchical pyramid, she experienced gender inequality. She says, “We have an empowering culture here where dialogue is encouraged and no matter who you are at the company, you have a say in the decision making process. I’ve never been judged for being who I am.”
Mariate, Marketing Manager at Mammoth, was impressed right at the hiring stage, where her lack of experience in Tech was never a problem, but the conversation was rather steering towards what she can bring to the plate if she joins the team. She says, “I have multiple conversations with other friends, especially from the finance sector, and realise how their peers are mostly male and the environment is toxic and sexist. I’m really happy to be a part of this balanced and amazing team!”
Summarising everything my colleagues shared, what makes me choose Mammoth every single day is, a great team where every single person matters, a great product we work on with interesting challenges, and the freedom to be myself at any point.
If you’d like to know more about the work I do, or what we’re building at Mammoth, say hello!
