Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the tech industry have long been areas ripe for improvement, and it’s no secret that fostering an environment that truly embraces these principles requires proactive efforts, and actionable strategies from all those involved.
Yet issues such as female underrepresentation, biases (both conscious and unconscious) in hiring practices and workplace inequity continue to plague the tech sector, threatening to hinder its progress. But how exactly can we as an industry debug DEI? The solution lies in first truly understanding the scale of the problem…
Simply put, diversity in teams accommodates varied perspectives, fosters innovation, and creates a better understanding of the needs of diverse user bases. Achieving meaningful diversity isn’t a box-ticking exercise but an ongoing journey requiring introspection, accountability, and proactive measures.
A number of upcoming tech events in Leeds aim to highlight some important elements of DEI which can often be overlooked – such as the “Leading Change: Debugging DEI in Tech” event by Transition Partners.
These events can be explored below in the Embracing Continuous Learning section.
Embracing diverse neurological perspectives, such as those of individuals with ASD, ADHD, dyslexia can bring an amazing range of unique strengths to the table. These perspectives can spark creativity, problem-solving, and out-of-the-box thinking, ultimately driving innovation.
A workforce that is supportive of neurodiversity creates an environment that is more accepting and understanding, promoting empathy and collaboration among colleagues which has wider benefits for the entire workforce, not just those who are neurodiverse.
Despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusion amongst the tech space, the lack of support for women in tech still persists, hindering their progress and potential contributions to the industry.
The Women in Tech 2023 Survey shows that the percentage of women in the technology industry in the UK stands at 26%. Economic instabilities, lack of representation, and stereotypes all fall under the common factors contributing to this small amount of women working in tech.
Recent figures from Office of National Statistics (ONS) reports about Gender Pay Gap highlight, as of November 2023, there has been a steady decrease over time however there is visibly still quite a lot of progress to be made. These statistics truly highlights the importance – and need – of developing strategies to truly empower and support women in their tech careers.
For a full breakdown, vie the ONS 2023 report here.
The tech industry’s commitment to DEI is a journey that demands unwavering dedication and concerted efforts from all of its stakeholders. Embracing differences, amplifying underrepresented voices, and valuing equity and inclusion can lead the way toward a more inclusive and impactful future for all.
Are you interested in continuing this conversation, having the opportunity to share ideas, network, and learn more with fellow professionals in the DEI space?
Luckily for you, we’ve put together a small list of businesses in Leeds on their active journey of breaking bias and stereotypes for largely underrepresented groups. Check them out below!
Celebrating their 1st anniversary this year, Bruntwood SciTech will be back at Platform (Leeds) hosting their Female Founders Forum North Networking event, bringing together women who are Female Founders, CEOs, Directors, or in the midst of their entrepreneurial journey.
For more event details, click here.
Global Tech & Digital Talent Consultancy Transition Partners will be hosting an in-person event in Leeds with an aim to “shake up” the DEI conversation.
Their panel of experts will cover areas of inclusion which are often overlooked in DEI rhetoric – such as menopause, miscarriage, neurodiversity, and more.
The event will be held at the Transition Partners HQ on February 8th and will feature a live panel discussion featuring distinguished leaders, including:
For more event details or booking confirmation, please visit the events page here.
Below are additional Leeds-based businesses who are committed and contributing to the growth of diversity and inclusion in the UK tech scene.
Keep an eye on our “What’s On” page for upcoming Leeds events in 2024!