A recent study by BeyondHQ revealed that workplace practices adopted by tech quickly become the industry standard. BeyondHQ measured diversity among 20,000 technology employees and reported what they discovered in Best Cities for Diversity in Tech Workforce.
BHQ utilizes a mathematical model to develop a workforce plan for company relocation or expansion with the purpose of diversifying their workforce. Figuring into the equation are factors such as supply and demand, regional market performance, profit potential, diversity of talent, real estate availability, etc. Tech’s workplace initiatives have been the model to follow by other industries for thirty years. The author of the BHQ report, Rajeev Thakur, explained that tech, the “most dominant, least regulated” industry – which produces wealth – is the gold standard to which other industries look for guidance.
It’s important when evaluating diversity to realize that the workforce degree of diversity may reflect the geographic location. However, 83% of all tech leaders are white males. Asians are overrepresented and Blacks and Hispanics are underrepresented. True diversity is not just about an even distribution of white, black, and Hispanic workers, but about black and Hispanic workers in roles that encompass decision-making power. Should companies relocate to cities with high minority populations? That could guarantee them a diverse workforce, right? It’s not that simple. The minority population may not be skilled for the work required. Instead of looking to relocate, or recruiting and spending money to woo top talent, companies should create their own systems to foster talent.
They should stop expending so much effort competing in existing systems and bypass them. Instead of filling positions with only university graduates, they should realize that our school systems are full of potential untapped talent that is waiting to be developed. Socioeconomic factors prevent many potential talents from obtaining advanced degrees, but they could be trained. The highly profitable tech industry needs to lead the way with initiatives that reach underserved communities. They need to begin creating a new supply source when it comes to talent