Intel Says It's Reached An Internal Workplace Diversity Milestone

Intel recently announced a major milestone: full representation of women and underrepresented minorities in the company’s U.S. workforce two years ahead of its 2020 goal. This means Intel’s workforce now reflects the percentage of underrepresented tech workers.

“We are proud of our progress but not satisfied. We prioritize this as a business imperative to drive innovation and future growth,” said Barbara Whye, Intel’s chief diversity and inclusion officer in a news release. “Diversity and inclusion cannot be treated as an add-on. It has to be integrated into everything we do and this is just the beginning.”

In their diversity and inclusion report released Monday, the company reports 9.6 percent of its workforce identifies as Hispanic and 4.6 percent are Black. The report also reveals 27 percent of its staff are women.

The company set out to reach this goal in 2015 after former CEO Brian Krzanich announced their $300 million commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion.

Intel attributes this achievement to their comprehensive hiring, retention and progression strategy. Their last report released in March noted there was still a gap in representation of Black employees.

However, the diversity report released Monday claims they have closed the gap with the ongoing efforts of hiring and fostering inclusion. The report shows Black workers had the highest increase in Intel’s workforce as well. 

“We need to make sure inclusion remains at the center. Every voice matters, and we need to listen and act to make change happen,” Whye said.

In 2016, Intel started Warmline, a confidential employee hotline designed to help employees with career advancement and improve the overall employee experience. Since its launch, Warmline has become a reliable resource for employees and has resulted in insight to help create a more inclusive environment.

For Intel, this is just the beginning. Next year, the company plans to offer Warmline as a resource to employees globally, drive leadership equality, and focus on women of color.

Read their full report here.