BC – British Columbia’s tech sector is strongly supportive of employee diversity and inclusion of under-represented groups but struggles with how to implement more inclusive practices, according to a new provincial government funded report.
HR Tech Group‘s report, Diversity & Inclusion in the BC Tech Sector, noted that 96 per cent of organizations surveyed believe inclusion is important to the success and competitiveness of their organization.
However, less than 1 per cent of BC tech jobs are held by First Nations and Indigenous Peoples or by people with disabilities. According to the 2017 HR Tech Group Salary Survey, pay equity is another concern, as women in BC tech earn 5 to 6 per cent less than their male counterparts.
Issues considered by the report included resource constraints, a need for collective efforts, and implementation of a multi-year plan. The report recommended:
- Increasing awareness and understanding of how diversity and inclusion can benefit the industry;
- Increasing individual company capability for diversity and inclusion by engaging and educating CEOs/Senior Leaders and Human Resources;
- Driving increased diversity and inclusion through reinforcing hiring committments and measuring outcomes;
- Increasing the talent pool and its diversity; and
- Increasing Reconciliation commitments and opportunities with First Nations and Indigenous Peoples
Overall the report found the majority of BC tech companies are interested in working together and with government on recommendations that allow access to a diverse and inclusive pool of talent.
“This report is a first for our sector. It represents a deep interest and collaboration to not only identify gaps in underrepresented groups, but also to recognize the business case for increased diversity and inclusion in our tech companies,” says Allison Rutherford, Executive Director, HR Tech Group.
She added that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and contribute positively to the financial performance and success of organizations. She hoped the report would inspire greater hiring diversity as the industry grows.
“A thriving tech sector means good jobs that can support families and communities throughout British Columbia,” says Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. The ministry supported development of the report.
“To fill the 83,400 tech job openings coming available in the next ten years, we need to ensure the industry is welcoming for our underrepresented groups like Indigenous people, women, and people with disabilities. This report is a good first step in understanding the challenges we need to overcome and it’s a call to action for the sector and our government to ensure these rewarding opportunities are possible for everyone,” Mark added.
Members of the Advisory Committee that oversaw the report development included the Vancouver Economic Commission, BC Tech, The Minerva Foundation, First Nations Technology Council, and the Immigrant Employment Council of B.C.
Click here to download Diversity & Inclusion in the BC Tech Sector.
