The latest figures released by tech giant Google show that the company is struggling to increase the diversity of its staff.
Google released its second annual diversity report on Tuesday, and the figures show that the company is still predominantly staffed by white men. The company is pushing to improve the diversity of its workforce, but it appears there is a long way to go, writes Parija Kavilanz for CNN.
Diversity reports reveals lack of progress
“We’re still not where we want to be when it comes to diversity,” reads the 2015 diversity report. “It is hard to address these kinds of challenges if you’re not prepared to discuss them openly, and with the facts.”
The numbers make for concerning reading. 70% of the total Google workforce is male, and 60% of them are white. Of its tech workers, 82% are white and 59% of those are male.
In leadership roles, 78% are men, of whom 72% are white. Women make up just 22% of Google leadership positions.
These figures show that the situation has improved very little compared to last year’s report, but the company has reiterated its commitment to bringing “talented and diverse people” into its workforce. 21% of tech hires were female last year, leading to an increase in the number of women in technical roles, albeit by a measly 1%.
The number of Black and Hispanic employees grew at a faster rate than the overall workforce, but those minorities still only make up 2% and 3% of the total workforce respectively.
Google continues efforts to improve diversity
A few weeks ago Google detailed plans to invest $150 million in order to attract more women and minorities. Half of the money will be used by external organizations and communities, and the other half will be put towards making Google more inclusive through internal programs.
The company has also sent out its engineers to historically black universities, and has been scoping out a wider variety of colleges in order to find fresh talent. Google also said that it offers scholarships to students of color, women, students with disabilities and veterans. The scholarships are part of a plan to invest in promising individuals even before they finish college.
“We’re working toward a Web that includes everyone … It’s going to take time to get there,” the report said.
