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The thing I always have a problem with when it comes to diversity targets is that (from what I have seen) they base it on a representation of the total populati

by tw04 2y ago

The thing I always have a problem with when it comes to diversity targets is that (from what I have seen) they base it on a representation of the total population. Is that really accurate? Let's say 50% of the population are men, and 50% of the population are women - do 50% of the women actually want to work in, say, construction? If not, why is the target 50%? I will admit, I am not in HR and am not in charge of diversity hiring targets so maybe it is more nuanced than what I have seen. But everytime I hear these targes talked about, they always reference "as a percentage of the total population" which seems like a VERY dumb way to look at it. And to be clear, I'm totally onboard with trying to create a more diverse workplace, I just think you do everyone involved a disservice if you go about it with a shotgun approach.

ChocolateGod 2y ago
> Let's say 50% of the population are men, and 50% of the population are women - do 50% of the women actually want to work in, say, construction? If not, I think construction is a unique case because men typically have higher muscle mass, which makes physically demanding jobs like construction easier. You're less likely to apply for a job if you think you're not physically able to match the work of your peers. I think a good example is game development. Why are most developers (coding side) men? I'd argue that it's partially because stereotypes in society push that boys are into games and that happens from a young age. But I don't think it's up to a company to actively nullify this with diversity hires, instead it requires changes to eduction and society, which would naturally bleed into the company if it's hiring based on merit. How about rather than spending money on DEI programs you sponsor coding clubs for girls at local schools?
- acdha 2y ago
  Gaming is also interesting because you have another tactic of removing reasons why people walk away. It’s practically cliche to observe how toxic many gaming communities are, and the companies also have a reputation for poor pay and work-life balance which is going to deter a lot of people who didn’t spend their tween/teen years cultivating a self-identity as a member of that community. I would bet that improving working conditions would attract more women along with men who have a different balance of life priorities. If I had a magic wand, I’d add support for parents: that’s expensive and difficult for everyone, and studies show it disproportionately impacts women so you could make your staffing more balanced in a way which benefits everyone fairly.

by tw04 2y ago

ChocolateGod 2y ago

> Let's say 50% of the population are men, and 50% of the population are women - do 50% of the women actually want to work in, say, construction? If not, I think construction is a unique case because men typically have higher muscle mass, which makes physically demanding jobs like construction easier. You're less likely to apply for a job if you think you're not physically able to match the work of your peers. I think a good example is game development. Why are most developers (coding side) men? I'd argue that it's partially because stereotypes in society push that boys are into games and that happens from a young age. But I don't think it's up to a company to actively nullify this with diversity hires, instead it requires changes to eduction and society, which would naturally bleed into the company if it's hiring based on merit. How about rather than spending money on DEI programs you sponsor coding clubs for girls at local schools?

acdha 2y ago
Gaming is also interesting because you have another tactic of removing reasons why people walk away. It’s practically cliche to observe how toxic many gaming communities are, and the companies also have a reputation for poor pay and work-life balance which is going to deter a lot of people who didn’t spend their tween/teen years cultivating a self-identity as a member of that community. I would bet that improving working conditions would attract more women along with men who have a different balance of life priorities. If I had a magic wand, I’d add support for parents: that’s expensive and difficult for everyone, and studies show it disproportionately impacts women so you could make your staffing more balanced in a way which benefits everyone fairly.