Diversity Equality &Inclusion


Why tech companies need to embrace a people-focused mindset when it comes to tackling diversity and inclusion


Alison McClure, UKI HR Leader at Kyndryl explores key considerations for driving more inclusivity and diversity into the corporate workplace, to foster a more supportive environment for LGBTQ+ employees.


T


here’s no denying that the technology industry has something of a challenging diversity record. Whether you consider


the lack of female engineering talent, the lack of visibly ‘out’ role models or the disability employment gap across tech departments, addressing the issue of ID&E in our industry has not been a quick or easy process - and for many companies, there’s still some way to go. For Kyndryl, we’ve been lucky - but also


proactive. As a young brand, we had the privilege of thinking about how equality looks when embedded into the early fibres of a company. We’ve been able to ensure we’re hiring with ID&E in mind from the get go, and then think about how we nurture that talent in an inclusive environment that helps them to thrive. Most importantly, we’ve made sure this is not just something that we benchmark and measure from the top down, but something which can evolve and improve from the bottom up.


Changing company culture For organisations that don’t have this luxury, questions around equality are oſten approached in a reactive way - looking at problems that currently exist and then brainstorming solutions to fix them. Tat’s understandable, but the issue is whether these problems have already become woven into company culture, and how difficult and timely it is to unpick those habits and behaviours. With the Great Resignation still causing great talent to jump


ship, when their moral values don’t align with the company they are working for, the industry doesn’t have time to rest on its laurels in this respect. We need to be able to attract and retain the very best talent to both embrace the opportunities and fix the challenges that an evolving technology market offers. A fundamental part of building an intentionally inclusive


business culture is adopting a people-focused mindset and demonstrating real empathy across the organisation. Business leaders need to truly recognise all of the experiences that employees bring with them to work, and provide them with the support and capabilities to succeed.


16 | September 2022


Safe spaces for support Tis means making equality metrics an integrated part of company culture, with company-sponsored, employee-led resource groups that offer space for employees to get support, advice and guidance when needed. It’s crucial that people in their early careers


have role models they can relate to, no matter how they identify. Talent comes from all walks of life – it’s important for companies to support those it employs, and critical that we reflect society at large. Tis is at the heart of our culture at Kyndryl,


and it’s been refreshing to start from a place of acceptance and celebration. For example, our Kyndryl Inclusion Networks (KINs) are central to our business and threaded through various different teams and disciplines, while the Out Role Model programme motivates


and empowers LGBTQ+ staff to become visible and influential role models and leaders in the business. Not only do these groups offer as support, advice and safe space


for all employees who need it, they also work to continue pushing advancement within the business for their various communities, be that with regards to recruitment, retention or allyship. It helps us to remain accountable, remove barriers that still exist and understand where we still have work to do.


Building on good foundations Tat’s because we’re under no illusion that the work we’ve done so far is the end of our ID&E journey. We started with good foundations that have made an impact, but we know it takes constant work to maintain a culture of positive inclusion, and we’re committed to that. People are the heart of progress, and it is only by embracing


diversity that we can see true inclusion in the workplace. Across all industries, but especially in tech, it’s essential that we ensure a more all-encompassing future. To protect innovation and progression, we need to attract the best and brightest talent there is, and ensure we reflect wider society as a whole. Tis is for the good of business, and for the good of business culture.


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