Subscribe to Our Newsletter
The tech industry is one of the most rapidly growing and lucrative industries in the world. However, it’s also one of the most lacking when it comes to diversity, as demonstrated by gender diversity, for example. The gender diversity in tech was shown to be at only 19%, contrasting significantly from the 49% of jobs in other industries.
This lack of diversity in tech can have a negative impact on productivity and idea development for these companies, their employees, and consumers alike. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why diversity, equity, and inclusion are so impactful in the tech industry, and how you can help cultivate a more diverse and inclusive environment in your workplace.
Benefits of Diversity in Tech Companies
There are numerous benefits to diversity in tech companies. For one, diversity can lead to increased creativity and innovation. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that diversity can lead to a “cognitive diversity” which allows for different perspectives and ideas to be brought to the table, leading to more innovative solutions.
Additionally, diversity can help improve a company’s bottom line. A study by McKinsey & Company found that companies with diverse leadership teams are 35% more likely to financially outperform their less diverse counterparts.
Diversity also increases the talent pool for hiring team members who have specific skills that can improve a company’s productivity. Over 30% of individuals looking for a job stated they’re not interested in applying at a business lacking diversity. A company that prioritizes diversity will more likely attract top talent.
Inclusion in the Technology Industry
In order for diversity in tech to truly thrive, inclusion must also be a priority. Inclusion is about making sure that everyone feels like they belong and are valued. This includes employees of all backgrounds and experiences, from entry-level positions to senior leadership. Creating an inclusive environment can help attract and retain top talent, as well as improve employee satisfaction and morale.
Equity for All Employees
Equity is about making sure that everyone has the same opportunities for advancement and success. It’s also about ensuring that staff members have the resources they need to overcome any level of imbalance or historical marginalization they’ve experienced.
This includes ensuring that there are no barriers to entry based on race, gender, age, sexuality, or any other protected characteristics. Equity within a company means recognizing the need to ensure that each individual has opportunities and a seat at the table.
Prioritizing Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
If you want to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, making diversity and inclusion a priority is the first step. The focus should be more than just a diversity and inclusion training for employees once per quarter, but rather an implementation of policies, procedures, and cultural values that keep employees safe and allow opportunity to elevate the voices that usually go unheard.
There could also be value in establishing employee resource groups for people to learn and understand more about diversity and inclusion, or to reach out for concerns or questions. At the end of the day, everyone in the organization should take part in promoting diversity and inclusion to cultivate a healthy environment.
Impact of Diversion, Inclusion, and Equity in Technology
The impact of diversity, inclusion, and equity in technology cannot be understated. When these three pillars are present in the workplace, it can lead to increased creativity and innovation, improved financial outcomes, better attraction and retention of top talent, and higher employee satisfaction rates.
Additionally, diversity, inclusion, and equity can help create a more positive public image for tech companies, which is essential for building trust with consumers.
How GXA Can Help
At GXA, we understand the importance of diversity in tech and it’s one of our core values. We’re more committed than ever to maintaining a harmonious environment for all our employees and clients so that we can all have a chance at contributing to our field.
We offer a variety of IT services, such as cybersecurity, network security and IT consulting so you can focus on making your company a great place to work. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create a more diverse and inclusive workplace!