Equitable Solutions for Retaining a Robust STEM Workforce

Equitable Solutions for Retaining a Robust STEM Workforce

by Donna J. Dean, Janet B. Koster
Released December 2013
Publisher(s): Academic Press
ISBN: 9780128005057

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Book description

Equitable Solutions for Retaining a Robust STEM Workforce offers strategies and proven recommendations to accommodate work/life satisfaction for those in the STEM fields. Using real-life case studies, this book discusses universal issues such as dual careers and strategic decision making, childcare/dependent care in professional contexts, promoting family-friendly policies, as well as mentoring and networking.

Equitable Solutions for Retaining a  Robust STEM Workforce provides data and tools to drive successful programs relaying proactive solutions that STEM employers, academic institutions, policy-makers, and individuals can utilize.



  • Distills and leverages best practices and internationally transportable policies to support and accommodate STEM work/life satisfaction
  • Serves as an action plan to help STEM employers, policy makers and academic institutions identify and create systemic change
  • Includes case studies and practical tools sections to highlight effective integration strategies
  • Addresses a variety of work/life challenges, including supporting travel for dual-career couples, making strategic choices around work/life issues, and overcoming implicit bias 

Table of contents

  1. Cover image
  2. Title page
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Copyright
  5. Foreword
  6. Preface
  7. Acknowledgments
  8. Part 1: Surveying the Landscape
    1. Chapter 1. Envisioning the STEM Workplace of the Future: The Need for Work/Life Programs and Family-Friendly Practices
      1. Abstract
      2. A Common Definition of Work/Life Balance
      3. The Current Climate
      4. Spurring Systemic Change
    2. Chapter 2. Work/Life Integration Challenges Are Worldwide
      1. Abstract
      2. Survey Methods and Data Analysis
      3. Global Perspectives on Careers in Science
      4. Gender Differences in Approaches to Work/Life Issues
      5. Gender Differences and Career/Life Decisions
      6. Stress and Work/Life Conflicts
      7. Career Mobility and Job Security
  9. Part 2: Award-Winning Solutions
    1. Chapter 3. Addressing Work/Life Issues
      1. Abstract
      2. Case Study 1. Leading Women to Create Their Own Definition of Work/Life Satisfaction
      3. Case Study 2. Creation and Implementation of a Program for Personal and Professional Development of Women Scientists in an Emerging Democracy
      4. Case Study 3. A Writing Retreat for Women in Science and Engineering
      5. Practical Tools
    2. Chapter 4. Dual Careers and Strategic Decision Making
      1. Abstract
      2. Case Study 4. Dual-Career Solutions and Other Meaningful Approaches to Recruitment and Retention Efforts
      3. Case Study 5. A Scenario Toolkit for Advancing Careers in Science
      4. Practical Tools
    3. Chapter 5. Child Care and Dependent Care in Professional Contexts
      1. Abstract
      2. Case Study 6. Child Care at the European Molecular Biology Organization Meeting
      3. Case Study 7. Child Care at the American Physical Society Annual Meetings
      4. Case Study 8. Child Care at the American Society for Cell Biology Annual Meetings
      5. Practical Tools
    4. Chapter 6. Promoting Family-Friendly Policies
      1. Abstract
      2. Case Study 9. The Family Travel Initiative
      3. Case Study 10. Enhancing the Academic Climate for Women Scholars Through Family-Friendly Policies
      4. Case Study 11. From Graduate Student to Assistant Professor: Helping Postdoctoral Scientists and Engineers Meet the Demands of Career and Family Life
      5. Case Study 12. Transitional Support Program
      6. Practical Tools
  10. Part 3: Advancing Comprehensive Solutions
    1. Chapter 7. Mentoring and Networking
      1. Abstract
      2. Self-Analysis
      3. Mentoring
      4. Networking
      5. Coaching
      6. Sponsoring
      7. Some Concluding Thoughts
    2. Chapter 8. Implicit Bias and the Workplace
      1. Abstract
      2. What’s in a Scientist’s Name?
      3. Blind Orchestral Auditions
      4. Double-Blind Literature Reviews
      5. Success and Likeability Do Not Go Hand in Hand (For Women)
      6. The Selective Absence of Female Conference Speakers
      7. The Power of Language
      8. The AWARDS Project
      9. Conclusion
    3. Chapter 9. Government Policy Implications for Addressing Family-Related Issues
      1. Abstract
      2. The United States
      3. Europe
      4. Brazil, Canada, India, and South Korea
      5. Summary
      6. Global Highlights
  11. Appendix A. Roster of Participants and Meeting Agenda for “Rethinking the Future of the STEM Workplace: Convening of Global Experts on Work/Life Family Issues”
    1. Agenda
  12. Appendix B. Overview of Elsevier Foundation New Scholar Project Awards by Year
    1. 2006 Awards
    2. 2007 Awards
    3. 2008 Awards
    4. 2009 Awards
    5. 2010 Awards
    6. 2011 Awards
    7. 2012 Awards
  13. Appendix C. Researcher Insights Survey Questions for Data Collection
  14. References
  15. Index

Product information

  • Title: Equitable Solutions for Retaining a Robust STEM Workforce
  • Author(s): Donna J. Dean, Janet B. Koster
  • Release date: December 2013
  • Publisher(s): Academic Press
  • ISBN: 9780128005057