This guide explains what inclusive workplaces look like in practice and uses Heathrow’s public commitments as a real-world example of how a large employer works to create a more equitable and supportive workplace.
Choosing where to build your tech career isn’t just about salary, job title, or the brand name on your CV. The environment you step into every day, the culture, support systems, and growth opportunities, has a huge impact on whether you thrive or simply get by.
For women in technology and engineering, this is especially important. Inclusive workplaces don’t just feel better — they create the conditions that make long-term success, leadership progression, and job satisfaction more realistic.
So what does an inclusive employer actually look like in practice? This guide explains what inclusion looks like and uses Heathrow’s public commitments as a real-world example of how a large employer works to create a more equitable and supportive workplace.
An inclusive workplace isn’t simply one that hires diversely; it ensures people feel a true sense of belonging and can succeed on merit. This includes:
At Heathrow, inclusion is framed as a core part of the organisation’s vision to be “an extraordinary airport, fit for the future.” This means building a culture where colleagues can be themselves and contribute authentically to shared goals.
For women in tech, this translates to a workplace where your voice and perspective are genuinely valued.
How a company hires tells you a lot about its culture. Inclusive employers often:
Heathrow, for example, highlights inclusive hiring approaches and structured development programmes in areas like engineering and operational technology, helping people enter technical careers through multiple routes. Heathrow emphasises accessibility and broad encouragement for applications from diverse candidates, believing that “diverse talent makes us stronger.” One example of inclusive recruitment in action is the guarantee that candidates with disabilities who meet minimum criteria are offered an interview, a policy that supports equitable access to opportunities for all applicants.
Clear pathways and fair hiring practices reduce the “hidden rules” that often disadvantage underrepresented groups.
One sign of a supportive environment is the presence of employee networks or communities, such as gender equality networks, LGBTQ+ groups, disability networks, or parents’ communities. Employers like Heathrow support internal networks focused on gender equality and other aspects of identity, giving employees spaces to connect, share experiences, and influence workplace culture.
Heathrow supports five diversity networks that help build community and amplify colleague voices:
These networks create safe, collaborative spaces where employees can share experiences, advocate for change, and support one another. Joining or accessing such networks can offer mentoring, peer support, and a sense of solidarity — especially early in your career or when transitioning into leadership roles.
An inclusive employer doesn’t just hire diversely — it invests in people’s growth. Look for organisations that offer:
Heathrow provides a range of early career pathways and skills development support, including apprenticeships in areas like engineering, graduate programmes that expose emerging talent to different teams and training and development aligned with organisational values, such as respect, teamwork, and continuous improvement
These structured opportunities help ensure that career progression isn’t left to chance, but supported by learning and development frameworks. Career progression shouldn’t rely solely on informal networks. Structured development helps level the playing field
Inclusive organisations set clear targets to improve representation and publish progress publicly. Heathrow has stated its ambitions for 2030 to ensure that:
This level of transparency shows a commitment to measurable progress rather than vague promises, a positive signal when you’re evaluating employers
Inclusive workplaces also look beyond their own walls to encourage broader participation in tech and related careers. Through partnerships like the Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy, individuals can access career guidance and coaching, skills workshops and job fairs and support with CVs, interview skills and job matching
Such programmes are especially valuable if you’re navigating early career decisions or seeking ways to break into technical fields like IT, engineering, or data roles.
No workplace is perfect, and strong employers recognise they must continually refine their approaches. Heathrow’s own sustainability reporting shows progress on narrowing gender and ethnicity pay gaps and increasing representation — while acknowledging there is more work to do.
This blend of aspiration, transparency, and action is a practical model you can look for when comparing employers.
When you’re researching potential employers, whether Heathrow or others, ask:
These questions help you move beyond job descriptions to understand the lived experience of working there.
