Want to Boost Retention and Close the Gender Gap? Try Sending an Email of Encouragement

Research shows that even when women perform as well as men, they self-rate their abilities lower. Women also report more uncertainty about remaining in fields where they’re underrepresented, like tech and computer science. However, a recent study shows that a simple email of encouragement can help close this gap.

How a Simple Email Boosted Women's Confidence and Narrowed the Gender Gap

In the study, researchers sent one group of top performers in a computer science course an email congratulating them for getting a good score on an exam:

“You scored better than X% of students in this class. Keep working hard! I know you have what it takes to be successful in Computer Science.”

The email even included a “GIF of dancing minions.” Now that’s next-level science. The control group was simply told their grade.

Prior to the intervention, men and women's exam scores were equal. Yet, women rated their STEM abilities 10% lower and were 17% less likely to say they intended to continue pursuing computer science than men.

After this one simple email, women’s intentions to persist in computer science increased by 18 percent! There was no longer a gap between men’s and women’s determination to stick with CS (the email had no impact on men’s self-ratings).

It turns out, human kindness goes a long way, especially for folks who feel like “one of the only.” When you’re underrepresented in a company or entire industry, it’s common to feel uncertain about your abilities. That uncertainty can lead people to wonder if they should be doing something else instead, even when there’s objective evidence that they’re good at what they do.

The Challenge: How You Can Make a Difference with One Quick Email

You have the power to challenge a colleague’s career dysmorphia and even increase retention by writing one quick email.

Think of someone from an underrepresented group on your team (it could be in terms of race/ethnicity, age, gender, orientation, disability, etc.). The next time they do something awesome, let them know.

Here’s an example:

Hi ______,

I was really impressed with your (awesome thing they did). I wanted to make sure that you know not everyone can (do that awesome thing). I really value your contributions to the team! [IF YOU’RE THEIR MANAGER: Keep up the great work! I know you'll continue to be successful (in this role / this company / this profession.)]

Best,
[YOU]

And if email isn't your thing, you can always express these sentiments IRL, over Slack, or any other way that feels right.

Closing the Gender Gap and Increasing Retention through Encouragement

This study suggests a simple gesture of encouragement can go a long way in increasing retention rates and closing the gender gap in fields where women and other groups are chronically underrepresented. By challenging ourselves to recognize and acknowledge the achievements of our colleagues from underrepresented groups, we can create a more inclusive workplace and encourage more people to pursue their passions.