Press Contact:
Rachel Kennedy
North Carolina Technology Association
919-856-0393
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NC TECH Inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Benchmark Study
Sets Baseline for Forward Action
Survey of 12 companies finds more than 80% provide DEI training,
and identified areas for improvement
Research Triangle Park, NC – May 31, 2022 – To help the North Carolina tech industry shape a better future, NC TECH commissioned the first annual NC TECH Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Benchmark Initiative. The 12 NC TECH member companies that participated in this inaugural report had already defined their DEI strategies and initiatives and were looking to reexamine their policies to create sustainable impact. The participating organizations are considered technology or technology-enabled companies with operations in NC.
The participating companies have demonstrated that they know DEI must become deeply embedded into their cultures. For instance, 90% already mandate DEI training for managers and top leaders. More than half have a policy to look at inclusion competencies as part of these leaders’ performance reviews and just over 40% of individual reviews include inclusion competencies. Overall, more than 80% provide some form of DEI training for employees.
The survey also identified needed enhancements as continue their DEI journeys. For example, there is an opportunity to improve supplier-network diversity.
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are essential to strengthening workplace excellence at the individual company level,” explained Kurt Merriweather, VP, Products and Innovation and Co-Founder of The Diversity Movement. “Organizations that embrace DEI fuel positive change and innovation in their local communities, regions, and across the state by intentionally mobilizing efforts to diversify the companies and stakeholders they do business with.”
Similar to patterns seen nationwide as organizations grapple with DEI programming, survey results show an overrepresentation of white employees in management and leadership positions compared to the general workforce. There is limited representation of Blacks and women in management and top leadership positions.
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to DEI work, nor is there a single way to benchmark results,” said Brooks Raiford, CEO and president of NC TECH. “However, armed with an awareness of these benchmarks, leaders should feel empowered to act and drive real, measurable change for their organizations.”
About NC TECH: NC TECH is a not-for-profit, membership-driven trade association and the primary voice of the technology industry in North Carolina. NC TECH’s mission is to foster growth and champion innovation in North Carolina’s tech sector, while providing a voice for the tech community. NC TECH’s membership includes 600 member companies, organizations and institutions employing more than 200,000 workers in North Carolina. For more information, visit nctech.org.
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