Microsoft Faces Challenges in Retaining Diverse Workforce
Microsoft Corp. is struggling to retain its female, Black, and Latinx employees, complicating efforts to build a diverse workforce. Their diversity and inclusion report shows increasing departure rates, partly due to poaching by competitors and a shift from its retail operations. Microsoft aims to improve retention through mentorship and career growth opportunities, particularly in its expanding cloud-computing sector.
Microsoft Corp. is facing difficulties in retaining its female, Black, and Latinx employees amidst its efforts to cultivate a diverse workforce.
According to the company's diversity and inclusion report released on Wednesday, women accounted for 32.7% of departures in the fiscal year ending June 30, up from 31% in 2023.
In the US, Black employees made up 10% of exits compared to 8.7% last year, and Latinx departures increased to 9.8% from 8%.
Fewer male and Asian employees left compared to last year.
Microsoft attributes these trends to competitors poaching employees and a shift from its diverse retail business.
Chief Diversity Officer Lindsay-Rae McIntyre emphasized the need for providing mentors and career growth to retain talent.
Opportunities to improve diversity exist in the expanding cloud-computing sector, while the company focuses on ensuring its AI products are bias-free, underscoring the value of diverse perspectives.