EEOC Chair, Jenny R. Yang, recently weighed in on the challenge of building diversity in technology. “Making progress in expanding opportunity in the high-tech industry is critical to strengthening our economy and reducing inequality in our communities,” she stated.
Leading tech firms have launched well-funded diversity initiatives in recent years. And yet, women still account for only one third of the tech workforce. The percentage of black and Hispanic representation in the industry remains in the single digits. That lack of diversity increases in upper management.
“The challenge is real—so is the opportunity,” states Gwen Houston, Microsoft Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. “We have the opportunity to create enduring, long-lasting change that can impact more than just our own interests. “
Despite the challenges, diversity is not simply the right thing to do. It also makes good business sense with tangible benefits, including:
There is no silver bullet. Thus, building diversity and inclusion requires organizations to approach the opportunity from multiple angles.
While diversity in technology initiatives at companies like Microsoft make the news. All those same benefits in creativity and performance that strengthen large companies apply equally to small and mid-size businesses (SMBs).
Serving clients in varied industries on nearly every continent, eMazzanti employs a diverse workforce, from Eastern European immigrants at company headquarters to customer service representatives in Guatemala.
“We serve a global community, and that requires a global vision,” says Jennifer Mazzanti. “The diversity in our workforce and partnerships fuels that vision, enabling us to provide powerful solutions for our customers.”
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