Apple reports diversity progress as it recruits more women and minorities

4 Aug 2016

Apple says it is making progress on tackling diversity in its ranks with 37pc of new hires globally being female and 27pc from minorities

Tech giant Apple has reported that it is making progress on tackling diversity in its ranks with 37pc of new hires globally being women and 27pc of new hires being underrepresented minorities.

In its latest diversity report, Apple said it is striving to better represent all communities and to break down historical barriers in tech.

It still has some way to go. But, then again, so do most tech companies in Silicon Valley.

‘Women earn one dollar for every dollar male employees earn. And underrepresented minorities earn one dollar for every dollar white employees earn’
– APPLE

While some companies, like Eventbrite, claim to have achieved gender parity, the real battle is unconscious bias. Companies like Slack, for example, have removed candidate names and the schools they went to because such information can trigger unconscious bias, according to The Washington Post.

Accelerating change at Apple

Apple said that, currently, 32pc of its workforce globally is comprised of women and, in the US, underrepresented minorities make up 22pc of its workforce.

The company said that, in the US, in particular, it is accelerating the percentage of new hires who are minorities.

Current trends show that 24pc of new hires are Asian, 13pc black, 13pc Hispanic and 4pc multiracial. However, white people still make up the bulk of new hires at 46pc.

The Californian tech giant is also looking to close the gap on pay and ensure pay equity across the board. It said it is now analysing the salaries, bonuses and annual stock grants of employees worldwide.

“We’ve achieved pay equity in the United States for similar roles and performance,” Apple said.

“Women earn one dollar for every dollar male employees earn. And underrepresented minorities earn one dollar for every dollar white employees earn.”

The company said that it has been fostering a culture of inclusion for decades, with Diversity Network Associations spread throughout the company.

“We’re cultivating diverse leadership and tech talent. We’re continuing our advocacy for LGBTQ equality, investing in resources for veterans and service members and their families, and exploring new ways to support employees with disabilities.”

Apple Store image by Endermasali via Shutterstock

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com