Dear future manager is a digital experience seeking to recognise and battle the gender stereotypes that negatively influence the labour market.
This project is rooted in data, in particular the fact that 85% of the jobs for those who are now in college are still yet to be invented. This means that with the right guidance, young people have the chance to envision new professions and shape a working world free from gender stereotypes. Recognising that the future workplace is largely unknown, we wanted to build an experience that would encourage young people to see this as an opportunity they can take full advantage of.
However, finding their place in the job market can be a daunting challenge, let alone considering that they have the right to shape it. To help them engage with this idea, we created a gamified experience inspired by the Instagram Stories format. By using a familiar visual style and tone of voice, we made it more relatable and easier for them to connect with.
Ten questions to avoid perpetuating gender stereotypes
The journey consists of ten simple questions, which ask about participants’ key information, but also their upbringing, interests, and professional expectations. The experience begins with questions about basic characteristics of the user, such as their name or age. As it moves forward, the user is encouraged to answer questions about their childhood, present, and vision for the future.
Depending on their answers, they receive a bitesize piece of information, sometimes complemented with a data fact. For instance, a man who expresses an interest in working in education will be informed that he will predominantly be working with women, though they remain proportionally underrepresented in senior positions.
At the end, the user receives a personalised cover letter addressed to their future manager, emphasising the changes they want to see based on their answers. This cover letter acts as a kind of personal manifesto, which can be shared on social media.
An action guide to expand the experience
To extend the impact of this project, there's a cheat sheet that's free to download and packed full of useful tips and data on gender stereotypes in the workplace. This can be used to guide daily actions that encourage equality, and challenge established perspectives and behaviours.
Dear future manager
Have you witnessed gender stereotyping in your place of work or study?
Number of answers:
