Having a diverse workforce is crucial for organizations as it leads to increased innovation, better problem-solving skills, the ability to attract top talent, improved customer understanding, and a stronger commitment to social responsibility. To achieve this, companies must implement a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy that not only focuses on hiring employees from diverse backgrounds but also creating an inclusive work environment that encourages retention.
An essential aspect of this strategy is establishing clear and measurable goals for hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. Without specific DEI goals that leaders are responsible for achieving, companies may simply pay lip service to diversity without making any real changes within their workforce.
For tech companies and IT departments, setting DEI goals is particularly important due to the underrepresentation of certain demographics, such as women and Black, Latino, and Indigenous workers, in technology roles. This often requires tech leaders to step out of their comfort zones, actively recruit from underrepresented groups, and transform the corporate culture to ensure all employees are treated fairly in terms of pay, promotions, and career advancement.
Experts emphasize that setting and meeting DEI goals specifically for technology workers is crucial, as historically marginalized populations have faced barriers to entering IT and cybersecurity fields. Limited exposure to technology education, lack of opportunities to explore their interest in technology, and restricted access to quality technical training have all contributed to the underrepresentation of these groups in STEM fields.
Maxwell Shuftan, director of mission programs and partnerships at SANS Institute, highlights the importance of DEI goals in IT to address the exclusion of underrepresented populations from technology and cybersecurity opportunities. By setting and achieving DEI goals, tech leaders can create a more inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the broader community.
2024-05-14 12:51:02
Original from www.computerworld.com