Intel Leads the Way in Promoting Diverse Workplaces

In 2018, 1/3 of human resources professionals expect to boost investment in diversity initiatives, according to research from Glassdoor, an employer-review and job-listing website.

“Driving toward greater diversity in the workplace is a high priority effort for many businesses,” said Carmel Galvin, chief human resources officer of Glassdoor. “With increased investment in diversity and inclusion programs, it signals that employers are recognizing the value these efforts are having on recruiting and on financial performance.”

Businesses looking for leadership on creating diversity initiatives may want to review Intel’s program. Intel CEO Brian Krzanich announced that the tech giant expected to reach full representation of women and underrepresented minorities by the end of 2018, 2 years ahead of the program’s schedule.

“Intel stands out because it has shown real improvement,” said Carissa Romero, a partner in the consulting firm Paradigm, which helps businesses promote diversity. “Its leaders demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts, and it has demonstrated a willingness to test different strategies and use data to understand what’s working and what’s not.”

In 2015, Intel committed $300 million for its Diversity in Technology initiative that focused on an ambitious hiring and retention goal for its U.S. workforce by 2020. Intel’s 2017 midyear report showed a 65% improvement in the representation of women and underrepresented minorities, reducing the 2014 identified gap fr0m 2,300 employees to 801.

“Encouragingly, we’re seeing stable progress of female, Hispanic, and Native American representation,” said Barbara Whye, Intel vice president of human resources, and chief diversity and inclusion officer. “However, we have more work to do in achieving full representation by African Americans in technical roles.”

This kind of transparency about diversity and inclusion could play a significant role in recruiting and retaining employees.