Tech Diversity: Your Role in the Changing Face of Tech

by: Nongcebo Buthelezi

Have you ever felt like the tech industry isn't exactly representative of the world around us? Perhaps you've noticed that it's largely populated by white men, and you wish there were more women and people of color?

It's no secret that the tech industry has a diversity problem. But here's the good news: you can do something about it! You don't have to be a CEO or wield immense power to make an impact—you just have to be passionate and willing to take action.

In this article, we'll talk about what tech diversity looks like today and how everyone can play a part in creating positive change. We'll also discuss practical steps that anyone can take to help diversify the tech sector, from recruitment strategies to personal involvement. Let's get started on this important journey!

Examining the Current State of Tech Diversity

Nobody's denying that the tech industry has a diversity problem. Despite the benefits of having a diverse working environment—which range from creativity to potential for higher returns—the tech sector is still overwhelmingly white and male-dominated. This lack of diversity is a major issue, and it's something we all need work together on changing.

Luckily, more and more people are taking the issues of tech diversity seriously. Companies are forming committees devoted to increasing diversity in the workplace, many hiring professionals are making an effort to seek out diverse candidates, and initiatives like Social Coding SA, which works to give everyone access to technology and digital skills, are doing their part too.

But it's not just up to companies and government-funded organizations. We can do our part as individuals by making sure we stay informed about diversity in the tech industry and checking our own biases when hiring or collaborating with others. We can also help by encouraging others, especially women or people of color, to pursue tech-related careers—and helping them succeed once they get there.

Benefits of Having a Diverse Tech Workforce

By diversifying the tech industry, not only is the world of tech becoming more inclusive, but it's also becoming more effective. Recent studies show that diversity in the workplace leads to better decision making and higher levels of innovation. That's because having a diverse staff encourages people to think differently—and in the tech world, this means creative solutions to problems and greater competitive advantage over rivals.

In addition to its impact on creativity and innovation, diversity has positive effects on employee engagement and job satisfaction. An inclusive environment with a variety of perspectives creates a dynamic workplace that employees want to be part of. This ultimately leads to a more productive team with an increased loyalty towards their employer. And when employees feel heard, respected, and accepted for who they are, they are more likely be proactive in their work and invest themselves more into what they do at work.

It’s undeniable that diversity within the tech industry comes with great opportunities—and with it comes your role as an individual or company to facilitate this change. Doing your part in diversifying the tech industry strengthens both its competitive edge and its sense of inclusion. So while it may seem like an overwhelming undertaking that requires serious commitment from businesses, doing your part goes a long way towards achieving the progress everyone wants to see within the industry.

How to Create a More Inclusive Culture in Tech Companies

The tech industry is changing, slowly but surely. But how can you as an individual help create a more inclusive culture? Here are some suggestions:

1. Listen to and learn from people from different backgrounds and perspectives, who have different opinions and experiences.

2. Leverage unconscious bias training for recruiters and managers to better identify potential candidates who come from diverse backgrounds.

3. Put systems in place so that workers feel safe and respected in the workplace, such as anti-discrimination policies or a grievance process.

4. Put programs in place to promote diversity, such as mentorship programs connecting new tech workers with more experienced ones that come from diverse backgrounds.

5. Initiate fair hiring practices such as blind resumes or coding challenges that focus on skills rather than education or experience level when assessing potential candidates.

6. Make sure job descriptions are free of gender-coded language when recruiting new employees, which discourages some job seekers from applying for the position.

These are just a few of the ways you can do your part in making sure the tech industry continues to become more equitable for everyone involved!

Immediate Steps Tech Companies Should Take Towards Equality

The tech industry does need to diversify ASAP — and there are some immediate steps that companies can take to work towards that goal, right away. Here's what you can ask your organization to try:

Hiring practices

It’s essential that tech companies optimize their hiring practices: they should advertise roles more broadly, and not rely on traditional pipelines like referrals or recruiting databases. It’s also important to examine job postings themselves: they shouldn’t use language or qualifications that discourage individuals from different backgrounds from applying.

Relevant trainings and education opportunities

By providing training and learning opportunities, tech companies can create an environment of inclusivity. They should also offer programs for employees who want to improve their skills and increase their knowledge.

Create a culture of inclusion

It’s crucial for companies to ensure everyone feels respected and valued regardless of gender, race, age or sexual orientation. This means creating a safe space where discrimination is not tolerated and everyone has a voice that is heard and respected.

These are just a few ideas when it comes to diversifying the workplace — but it's definitely a good start! Companies need to make an effort if tech is going to become the inclusive and diverse industry it needs to be.

Tips for Individuals to Support Diversity in the Tech Industry

Tech has been bogged down in the same diversity issues for some time. But, you have the power to continue diversifying the tech industry and making it more inclusive. Here are some effective tips that you can use as an individual to support tech diversity:

Learn More About Diversity In Tech

Doing research on why diversity in tech is important and how it affects businesses can help you become a better advocate for diversity. Learning about different ways of pursuing equity and inclusion in the tech field can give you insight into how other companies do things differently. It could even inspire new ideas for your team or organization on how to make things more equitable and inclusive.

Create a Safe Space for Underrepresented Groups

Creating a safe space within your own organization or team is a great way to show your commitment to diversity in tech. Whether it’s through providing mentorship relationships, making sure that diverse perspectives are included in decision-making processes, or increasing access to technology resources -- giving underrepresented groups opportunities they need allows you to make meaningful changes at a local level.

Speak Up When You See Inequity

Don’t be afraid to address bias when you see it, either directly or through back channels with management or allies at your organization. Having these difficult conversations can often be uncomfortable; however, bringing attention to inequities will help push corporate leadership towards implementing policies that reduce inequalities across all areas of the workplace.

If we all work together and make changes from the inside out -- big changes will happen in the tech industry sooner than we think!

Supporting Organizations Aimed at Increasing Diversity in Tech

When it comes to supporting diversity in the tech industry, there are lots of ways to get involved. You can use your voice to support organizations and initiatives that work to bring more talent, resources, and opportunities into tech.

Building Connections

One great way to do this is by building connections to support diverse innovators. Whether you’re a part of a large organization or just an individual contributing your time, effort, and energy makes a huge difference in enabling diverse teams to thrive. These resources create a better world for everyone by making sure no one is left behind.

Donations

Donating money or time to organizations like Code for Change , SheCodes Foundation , and GirlCodeZA is another excellent way to support diversity in tech. All of these have programs that focus on creating pathways for minorities into the industry and creating opportunities for those who don’t have the same access as others.

Whether you choose to donate or volunteer your time, every effort counts when it comes to making the tech industry more inclusive and diverse. No matter how you decide to contribute, it’s important that others know they can make a difference too.

Conclusion

In a rapidly changing world, technology will play an increasingly important role in everyday life and in the industries we rely on. We must ensure that the opportunities open to everyone are inclusive and diverse, so that everyone has a chance to participate in and benefit from the wonders of technology. From coding classes to unconscious bias training, there are a range of ways we can ensure tech diversity and make sure everyone is welcomed and encouraged to participate.

Rather than simply tolerate diversity, we should actively celebrate it. Let's work together to create an inclusive and diverse tech industry, one that puts fairness and opportunity at the forefront of what we do. By doing this, we can open the door to a world of possibilities for everyone and create a more equal and equitable future.