A Catalyst Award recognises companies that have a proven organisational approach that addresses the recruitment, development and advancement of all women.

3M was selected as a 2017 winner for its 'I'm in. Accelerating Women's Leadership' programme that focuses on the advancement of women and is an important component of the company's diversity and inclusion strategy.

"Diversity is a competitive weapon for 3M as it spurs creativity and new ideas, while helping us better serve our customers around the world," said Inge Thulin, 3M chairman, president and chief executive officer.

"From appointing women to top leadership positions to our new expanded parental leave benefits, we are creating an even more diverse and inclusive culture where all our people can succeed. Equally important, we will build on our progress and do even more into the future, including doubling 3M's pipeline of diverse leaders by 2025."

A few of the specific elements include:

3M's 'I'm in. Accelerating Women's Leadership' initiative has accelerated progress for women leaders in business and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers over the past five years with the following global results:

• The percentage of women at director level increased from 18.2 per cent to 23 per cent
• The percentage of women at the vice-president level and above grew from 16.7 per cent to 24.2 per cent
• The representation of women in technical and lab manager roles jumped from 19.1 per cent to 23. 9 per cent, and the percentage of women manufacturing facility managers grew from 11.4 per cent to 17.4 per cent
• Around the world, the percentage of women leading 3M subsidiaries increased nearly 10-fold from 2.4 per cent to 22.7 per cent
• Women's representation on the executive team - those reporting to the chief executive officer - increased from 12.5 per cent to 20.0 per cent.

While the initiative focuses on developing women, it is part of a broader 'I'm In.' organisational approach to engage and develop all 3M people worldwide. Some highlights include:

• A network of 84 women's leadership chapters that align their activities with global priorities championed by the executive steering team
• Formal leadership development programmes like 3M Leadership Way that champions continuous learning
• Encouraging each individual to have a formal development plan that includes stretch projects and opportunities to take on different roles, training and coaching
• And 3M's FlexAbility programme that supports a flexible workplace culture.

"Intentional change requires bold leadership, which Catalyst companies embody. This is how diversity, inclusion and gender parity come to life in the workplace. It's incredible to see these Award-winning initiatives changing minds, changing behaviours and creating more opportunities for women," said Deborah Gillis, chief executive officer of Catalyst. "Business leaders have the power and a greater responsibility than ever before to make room for all employees to succeed. 3M is to be commended for leading the change."

Catalyst Award-winning initiatives are evaluated in a rigorous, year-long process against criteria such as strategy and rationale, senior leadership activities, accountability and transparency, communication, employee engagement, innovation, and measureable results.

As part of the global assessment, representatives from the Catalyst organisation needed to visit a 3M subsidiary outside the US for evidence of company practices being implemented on a global scale.

The UK and Ireland was selected and 37 employees were interviewed by a team of three assessors, who flew over from the US to conduct the interviews face-to-face.

Catalyst is a leading non-profit organisation accelerating progress for women in the workplace and this year celebrates the 30th anniversary of the award. Since 1987, it has recognised 85 initiatives at 79 organisations from around the world.

The winners will be recognised at a special award programme on International Women's Day, 8 March. Two others winners will also receive the 2017 Catalyst Award this year, Rockwell Automation and BMO Financial Group.

9 March - 3M's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Inge Thulin accepted the award at a gala ceremony in New York City.

Find out more about the Catalyst Award

3M Receives 2017 Catalyst Award