If you’re in the tech industry, you’ve probably heard of the term “DEI”. But what does it mean? DEI stands for “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” The goal behind DEI initiatives is to create more diverse workplaces and ensure people from all backgrounds have the same opportunities to be successful. While there is a huge opportunity for the tech industry to be a leader in DEI, it still has a long way to go.

If you’re curious about how to promote diversity equity and inclusion, there are a few things that are helpful to know. Let’s dive in.

1. Hiring is critical, but it’s not the only thing.

When considering how to promote diversity equity and inclusion at your company, recognize that hiring is key. Hiring trends are a future indication of metrics like representation – it’s a snapshot of who is at a company at a given time. To improve the diversity of your workforce, it starts with getting more people from underrepresented groups in the door. However, there are a number of critical moments in the hiring process where unconscious bias can play a role in determining who gets a job, including how you write a job description, where you look for candidates, your interview process and ultimately how you make your hiring decision. People of color tend to be more conscious of this issue, with 45% reporting that they believed unconscious bias played a role in hiring, while only 27% of white employees said the same. The right DEI initiatives can help mitigate bias in the hiring process, which is an important place to start.

2. You’ll Attract Better Talent

When making it clear that you care about diversity and are implementing DEI initiatives through meaningful action, you’re essentially attracting better talent. Many people skip over applying for positions at certain companies because they feel that they may not be given a chance because of their background or identity. Or if they do get hired, they won’t have opportunities for advancement. If you explore DEI initiatives, you’ll discover that they can strengthen your hiring pool significantly.

3. It Encourages Employee Retention

In the same sense, you’ll be able to retain employees more easily if you ensure that your employees feel they are well-supported, seen and are being developed. If you’re intentional about creating a space where all employees have the same opportunities for success you will be more likely to retain talent.

When considering how to promote diversity, equity and inclusion be strategic and intentional.  It could change your company for the long term. how to promote diversity equity and inclusion be strategic and intentional. It could change your company for the long term.