It’s no secret that the tech industry has struggled with its representation of women, especially women who are Black, Latina, and Native American. For years, tech companies invested in improving the representation of women through various programs and even by partnering with K-12 and universities to increase exposure at early ages. Despite these efforts, a McKinsey report shows a decline of Black, Latina, and Native American (BLNA) women in the tech workforce from 4.6% in 2018 to 4.1% in 2022.
“Our research shows that current policies and practices aren’t helping BLNA women in technology as much as they could be, leaving value on the table for employers. In addition, we found that approximately 40 percent of BLNA women reported experiencing prejudice related to gender and overall experience, driving them to leave their company of the technical workforce entirely.”
This study demonstrates the importance of expanding diversity into equity and inclusion. A robust DEI strategy should not be entirely focused on talent acquisition. Companies need to continue to level the playing field for women from marginalized racial groups even after they have joined their workforce. The report recommends companies take additional measures such as increasing work flexibility and charting clear pathways for employee development and career advancement. Our PracticalESG.com resources can help you build a more robust strategy. Check out “DEI Strategy” suite of checklists for step-by-step guidance in developing a comprehensive and customized DEI strategy for your organization.
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