Competency-driven Diversity in GIS & STEM sectors

While many organizations in the STEM sector are committed to diversifying their teams, few have systems in place to retain talent or translate diversity into measurable innovation. This research project will explore how prioritizing competence and contextual fit over quota-based hiring can lead to stronger team performance, better retention, and more consistent innovation in GIS and STEM fields.

Juru Consulting will conduct employee surveys, analyze HR and retention data, and lead in-depth interviews across several tech-driven environments. The project will examine how diverse professionals experience career progression, team dynamics, and leadership trust, particularly in high-performance settings. Special attention will be paid to how psychological safety, cognitive load, and organizational culture influence focus, decision-making, and creative output under pressure, core areas in clinical neuropsychology that intersect with team innovation.

Why this matters: Hiring diverse candidates is not enough. Without the right structures, many organizations face high turnover, disengagement, or stalled innovation. Retaining top talent requires environments that value people’s competence, support mental clarity, and encourage authentic contribution. This is especially vital in GIS and STEM fields where sustained innovation depends on diverse thinking and long-term team stability.

Impact: The findings from this research will equip leaders with practical tools to redesign their recruitment and retention strategies, foster psychologically supportive workplaces, and unlock the full innovative potential of their teams. Instead of compliance-based diversity, organizations will gain a framework for competence-driven inclusion that strengthens culture and drives measurable outcomes.