Diverse teams create better solutions

International Women’s Day is a reminder that diversity and equality are not just values. They directly translate into better experiences, solutions and innovations in work life. Although the number of women in students and professionals of technical field has increased over the years, it remains clearly lower than that of men. This is why competence-based selection, equal opportunities, and the intentional building of diverse work communities are essential for the development of the entire field.

Strengthening diversity requires both societal support and active efforts across research, development, and business. The engineering sector benefits from professionals who bring different ways of thinking, new perspectives, and diverse approaches to problem‑solving.

Research shows that diversity is a significant strategic advantage, especially in the technology sector. It enhances team efficiency, openness, problem‑solving abilities, and innovation, while also improving employee experience, easing recruitment challenges, and strengthening an organization’s overall impact.*

For International Women’s Day, Elomatic’s Hanna Lausmaa and Helena Laavi reflect on their journeys into engineering and how gender and equality show up in their daily work.

A career path in engineering began with a surprise

“One thing I know for sure, I’m not going to be an engineer!” stated Hanna Lausmaa when considering her study options as a young student. Things turned out differently.

Hanna eventually chose to study mechanical engineering at the University of Oulu and now works at Elomatic as a Circular Economy Specialist in the sustainability consulting team. She is also completing her second Master of Science in Technology degree in Industrial Engineering and Management at the University of Turku.

At the beginning of her studies, Hanna expected mechanical engineering to be male‑dominated, and she was right. Only about 4% of her classmates were women. Still, the communal student culture made it easy to make new connections, many of which have grown into lifelong friendships.

In engineering fields, students are encouraged to gain work experience early, and Hanna naturally transitioned from her studies into engineering internships and later into design and consulting roles. Her career has included a variety of responsibilities and project teams.

Although gender imbalance is still common in technical organizations, Hanna’s experience is that competence and professionalism tend to outweigh gender in everyday work. Collaboration is driven by shared goals. While she has encountered some challenges over the years, most interactions have been professional, encouraging, and supportive of her growth.

“Different people ask different questions, and that’s exactly where the best solutions and successes come from.”

Interest in mathematics and science led the way into engineering

Helena Laavi works in process modelling, process safety design, and consulting. After studying chemical engineering at the Helsinki University of Technology (now Aalto University), she quickly realized that her expertise could open many meaningful opportunities within engineering. Her work also allows her to influence issues such as industrial environmental responsibility.

While studying, Helena worked in the corporate sector and served as a course assistant in both the mathematics and chemical engineering departments. When starting her doctoral studies, she continued to combine research with practical work.

In chemical engineering, the gender distribution among students was relatively balanced, but in working life Helena often finds herself in male‑dominated project teams, sometimes as the only woman in the group.

“Group dynamics change depending on whether a team consists of only one gender or a mix of men and women.”

Helena does not see gender as the determining factor, professional competence and the ability to learn matter more. At the same time, even though the work is highly system‑oriented, it involves extensive interaction with customers, colleagues, and stakeholders. This requires a diversity of experts and viewpoints. Technical solutions are always ultimately created for people.

Helena believes diversity enriches the work community by bringing new ideas and creating more opportunities for learning. A respectful atmosphere and shared values help build a trustworthy and inspiring workplace where everyone can shine and succeed together.

A note to anyone considering engineering

The field of engineering offers a wide range of career paths. There is truly something for everyone. The industry evolves rapidly, and skills can and should be continuously developed.

The message of International Women’s Day reminds us that we are not the same, and we don’t need to be. Diversity is a strength worth nurturing. Everyone should have the opportunity to represent themselves as they are, and the engineering sector has room and need for all kinds of experts.

“The people who change the world work in technical field. This is where things are created that truly make an impact.”

*Sources:

1. Vijaya Sunder M., Manish Gangwar & Siddhartha Modukuri (2024). Do Gender Diverse Teams Deliver Better Operational Performance: An Experimental Study. Indian School of Business (ISB). https://www.isb.edu/faculty-and-research/research-directory/do-gender-diverse-teams-deliver-better-operational-performance-an-experimental-study
2. Royal Academy of Engineering (2026). EDI Engine: Business benefits of equality, diversity and inclusion in engineering. Saatavilla: https://raeng.org.uk/policy-and-resources/equity-diversity-and-inclusion-research-and-resources/edi-engine-benefits-of-equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-engineering/  
3. Köngäs, P. (2023, 6. marraskuuta). Sukupuoli ohjaa tiukasti lukiolaisten alavalintoja – tässä neljä syytä, miksi naisia pitäisi saada tekniikan aloille lisää. https://yle.fi/a/74-20058500