Colt Technology Services is a global digital infrastructure provider with over 5,000 employees, delivering high-performance connectivity solutions to businesses across Europe, Asia, and the United States.
The problem
Colt Technology Services faced a gender imbalance across its workforce, with women underrepresented in leadership roles and across the organisation. This imbalance highlighted the need for targeted initiatives to foster gender diversity and create an inclusive environment where women could thrive. Additionally, the company recognised the lack of robust policies addressing challenges like domestic abuse and menopause, which disproportionately impact women in the workplace.
The solution
In response, Colt Technology Services established the Women+@Colt network, initially designed as a safe space for women to share experiences and support each other. Over time, the network evolved to tackle broader organisational issues, becoming a key driver of company policy and gender balance initiatives.
Key steps taken included:
- Actively engaging 148 male allies and developing a comprehensive allyship programme to amplify the network’s mission.
- Organising 37 global events centred on personal development, health, wellbeing, and industry-specific topics to empower employees and foster connections.
- Launching a mentoring initiative that paired over 80 participants with senior leaders to support career growth and build leadership pipelines.
- Addressing critical issues such as domestic abuse and menopause, resulting in the implementation of supportive company policies.
The network worked closely with executive leadership, embedding its efforts within Colt’s diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) strategy. Success was measured using clearly defined metrics aligned with the company’s long-term gender diversity goals for 2030.
The results
Women+@Colt’s initiatives have driven measurable progress in gender diversity and inclusion at Colt Technology Services:
- Increased representation: Women now comprise nearly 32% of the global workforce, a significant improvement from 28% in 2019. Women also hold 60% of executive leadership positions.
- Employee development: The network’s mentoring programme and personal development initiatives have positively impacted over 240 employees, equipping them with skills and support for career progression.
- Recognition: Colt was recognised in the FTSE Women Leaders Report as a top performer for its efforts in fostering gender balance.
- Policy impact: Advocacy efforts led to the introduction of policies addressing domestic abuse and menopause, improving employee retention and workplace culture.
- Global engagement: The network’s events and initiatives have built a strong sense of community, strengthening DEI efforts globally and ensuring sustainable progress.
The Women+@Colt network exemplifies the power of employee-led groups in creating meaningful change. Its achievements, driven by passion and strategic alignment with company goals, have positioned Colt Technology Services as a leader in workplace diversity and inclusion.
The information contained within this resource was accurate at the time of its publication. This article was created in May 2025.