It is no secret that women and people of color are severely underrepresented in the tech industry. According to an article from Builtin.com: women made up only 26% of the tech workforce, while black employees were at just 3%. More and more tech companies are putting pressure on their HR teams to find and hire diverse talent which is a step in the right direction. However, many companies are missing the mark when it comes to retaining their diverse workforce. In this blog post, we will be discussing 6 tips on how tech companies can empower and retain their diverse staff.
Creating an Inclusive Environment:
One of the most important things a company can do to create a more inclusive environment is by ensuring that its workplace policies are not discriminatory. This includes everything from hiring practices, to how employees are evaluated and promoted. It is also important to have a diverse management team to set the tone for the rest of the company. If upper management is not diverse, it sends a message to the rest of the employees that they are not valued.
Communication and Training:
Companies need to communicate their commitment to diversity and inclusion to their employees. This can be done through things like training programs, town halls, or even just including it in the company values. Employees need to feel like they are being heard and that their concerns are being taken seriously. It is also important to provide unconscious bias training to all employees, not just those in management positions.
Checking In With Employees:
Managers need to check in with their employees regularly, especially those from underrepresented groups. This shows that you are invested in their success and want to create an environment where they can thrive. These check-ins can be informal conversations or more formal performance reviews. Either way, it is important to allow employees to provide feedback on their experience at the company.
Providing Mentorship Opportunities:
One of the best ways to retain diverse talent is by providing mentorship opportunities. This can be done through things like pairing up new hires with mentors. Mentors can help employees feel more comfortable in their new environment and provide guidance on how to navigate the company culture. This is especially important for women and people of color who might not have anyone else to turn to for advice. Mentorship provides employees with the opportunity to learn and grow within the company, while also feeling like they have a support system.
Supporting Employee Resource Groups:
Employee resource groups (ERGs) are a great way for companies to support their employees of color and women. These groups provide a safe space for employees to come together and discuss the unique challenges they face at work. They also allow employees to build relationships with others who understand their experiences. ERGs can be a great way to retain diverse employees and make them feel more included in the company.
Compensation:
Companies need to make sure that their employees are being compensated fairly. This includes things like equal pay for equal work and making sure that bonuses and raises are based on merit, not just seniority. It's important for employers to look inward at their pay gaps for the same roles and identify and correct if they see that women and people of color are getting paid less than males and white counterparts in the same position with similar skills. Employees should feel like they are being valued for their contributions to the company. By ensuring that employees are fairly compensated, companies can show that they are committed to retaining a diverse workforce.
By implementing the tips above, tech companies can bridge the gap between employing diverse talent and keeping them on board. Companies need to create an inclusive environment, communicate their commitment to diversity, support employee resource groups, and fairly compensate all employees. By retaining a diverse workforce, tech companies can not only improve their bottom line but also send a message that they are committed to inclusion.
What do you think? Are there any other tips that you would add? Let us know in the comments below!
If you're a woman or person of color in tech and are looking for support, check out our website for resources and advice. We're here to help you succeed!