It is well-known that for many years, diversity has been lacking in a number of fields. Tech industry is one of the top among those fields. Many different groups are underrepresented in technology companies. There have been initiatives in recent years that are helping to change this. The initiatives and ideas below have been adopted by many companies to help them support and increase diversity among their ranks. They have also been used to encourage those who are from underrepresented groups feel more comfortable speaking up with their ideas and their concerns.
First, a number of companies have created their own individual company initiatives as a means to help women and minorities to join the company and to rise through the ranks. Many tech companies are finding ways to provide opportunities to those who are underrepresented and qualified to work in the field.
Other companies are finding ways that they can increase the amount of support in the workplace once people are a part of the company. One of the ways is having programs at the company that are supportive, such as providing support for women who are pregnant and give birth. In some instances, this means that the current company culture needs to change and keep up with the times.
Saying that a company is diverse is one thing, but actually supporting diversity actively is another. Tech companies committing to these types of actions should make it a point to track and report their data. This shows their commitment, and it also ensures they can see whether they are doing a good job, or they need to make changes.
Management should also be trained to look at and understand their own unconscious biases. There are times when the management might not be aware of how their actions are being perceived, and this can cause problems in the workplace with those who are underrepresented. With better training, tech companies are hoping to deal with these issues.
Is this all that needs to be done to help support a diverse tech field? No, but it is a beginning that can now be built upon and added to by the industry. Through the creation of workplaces that more accurately reflecting the diversity in the country, it can help to improve the field as a whole. More companies in the tech field should adopt ideas and methods such as those mentioned above to provide a more welcoming and diverse workplace.
