Microsoft’s diversity drive fails to pay dividends

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Microsoft, the computer giant, has been trying for some time to diversify its workforce, however recent efforts have not got the company that far.

The Microsoft workforce was 26.8 percent female at the end of September, a notable drop from 29 percent the year earlier.

“We are not satisfied with where we are today regarding the percentage of women in our workforce,” commented Gwen Houston, general manager of global diversity and inclusion at the company. “Our senior leader continue to be deeply committed to doing everything possible to improve those numbers.”

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Microsoft has set up employee resource groups and employee networks to try and solve the problem. These groups aim to manage career development, mentor employees and provide networking opportunities.

On the plus side women now make up 27.2 percent of Microsoft’s senior leadership team. Apple have recently announced they will hire 11,000 women over the period of the next 12 months.

Robert joined the HRreview editorial team in October 2015. After graduating from the University of Salford in 2009 with a BA in Politics, Robert has spent several years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past he has been part of editorial teams at Flux Magazine, Mondo*Arc Magazine and The Marine Professional.

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