Whether we’re trying to login to our emails or successfully launch a rocket into orbit,
manufacturing and technology companies are responsible for the tools we use to
enhance our lives. The companies below are taking their efforts a step further to bring
diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) to the forefront. Here’s a look at 10 of today’s top DEI
companies in the manufacturing and technology space:
RTX Corporation
The formerly named Raytheon Technologies, RTX Corporation is an aerospace and defense company located in Arlington, Virginia. In addition to producing some of the most advanced technology today, RTX prides itself on its DEI efforts. They’ve formed DEI partnerships with organizations like Disability:IN, Hispanic Association of Corporate Responsibility, National Society of Black Engineers and many more to ensure people from underrepresented groups have equal access to job opportunities in the STEM field. RTX also provides employee resource groups (ERGs) to their employees, leads a global DEI advisory board and has been penned a military-friendly employer, best place to work for disabled and LGBTQ+ employees, and a leading workplace with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society.
Colgate-Palmolive
Manufacturer of the world’s favorite toothpastes, lotions, cleaning supplies and more, Colgate-Palmolive is also a favored workplace when it comes to DEI. The company strives to create a sense of belonging for their employees through ERGs, growing supplier diversity networks and in their hiring practices. They’ve maintained a nearly equal ratio of men and women serving in leadership positions and are continually working to increase diversity representation across the organization. Colgate-Palmolive additionally takes their passion for DEI into the world, representing underrepresented communities through their advertisements and forming partnerships with outlets that prioritize diversity.
General Motors
The producer of popular car brands like Chevrolet, GMC and Buick, General Motors (GM) is another leader in ensuring an inclusive workforce. In particular, GM is a leader in pay equity, becoming the only company to achieve a pay gap of less than 3% between men and women in 2019. The company also hosts numerous ERGs, a nearly equal male-to-female ratio on their board of directors and provides special opportunities and resources for military families. GM additionally has an Inclusion Advisory Board that frequently meets with diverse leaders within and outside of the company to discuss ways in which they can improve the company’s DEI efforts.
Toyota
Another leading car production company, Toyota has been a leader in creating inclusive communities at work for over 20 years. They’ve been recognized by numerous diversity-focused organizations, such as the National Minority Supplier Development Council and the Human Rights Campaign, for their dedication to hiring diverse employees, and have several partnerships and programs that work to employ military veterans. Toyota also maintains inclusive practices across their dealerships through the Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association and has created a Diversity Advisory Board to consistently improve on diverse initiatives.
Cisco Systems Inc.
Cisco Systems Inc., better known as just Cisco, is a multinational digital communications company. Under a 12-point social justice action plan, the company has dedicated themselves to contributing internally and externally to ensure a more diverse world. Coming into the fourth year of their five-year plan, Cisco has increased Black representation in non-executive positions by 73%, their supplier diversity efforts by 108% and have expanded their methods for fair pay and increased representation. Cisco also uses a portion of their funds to support equal education and technology opportunities to underrepresented groups. They’ve donated $66 million in services and software to HBCUs, $4 million to nonprofit social justice organizations and have created grants to provide their services on a global scale.
Microsoft Corporation
One of the most popular technology and software companies in the world, Microsoft is no stranger to prioritizing diversity in the workplace. They have the most diverse board of directors of any other technology company, with woman and racial minorities holding nine of the 12 seats, and have seen a steady increase in diversity across the workplace over the last five years. Microsoft also provides diversity and inclusion training for all of their employees—over 98% of which have completed the necessary courses—and have over 40 ERGs for their employees to utilize for professional and personal inclusion purposes.
IBM
Specializing in technology, software and consulting services, IBM does more than provide the latest technological trends. The company also prides itself on its diverse hiring initiatives; taking home awards as a top employer for diversity, women and the LGBTQ+ community by organizations like Fortune and the Human Rights Campaign. They host over 200 ERGs on a global scale and focus many of their DEI initiatives outside the company through donations and volunteer work. Additionally, IBM frequently posts news stories and information on the importance of diversity in the STEM fields on their website. They even host a “Be Equal” podcast, where diverse employees share experiences and knowledge from working for IBM and in the STEM field in general.
Oracle
Oracle, the computer software company, is another technological leader paving the way in workplace inclusion. Oracle takes a specific interest in their hiring and leadership practices, investing in programs that help them to understand and increase diverse talent in senior positions. Currently, 26.5% of their managers around the world identify as women, with nearly half of all leadership positions being filled by ethnic and racial minorities. Oracle additionally hosts several ERG groups and partners with the Society of Hispanic Engineers (SHPE) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) to provide employment and STEM opportunities for communities that are historically given fewer resources in the sciences.
Intel
Intel, a semiconductor and technological company, prioritizes DEI initiatives at the highest level. Through their RISE 2030 strategy, Intel has been making huge strides in the last few years to expand their inclusion policies. They’ve established over 50 ERGs across racial, ethnic, gender and spiritual identities, provide resources to ensure accessibility and pay special care to their hiring practices. Intel also supports diverse-owned small businesses through their supplier diversity programs; offering guidance during the certification process for those who desire. The company gives back to communities through the Intel Foundation and brings STEM opportunities to women and communities of color around the world. Intel also makes it a point to match donations to nonprofits advocated by their employees and encourages volunteering with community-focused groups.
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble (P&G) is a leader in manufacturing consumer goods and diversifying their workplace. Along with their well-established affinity (ERG) groups, P&G has hired employees across 145 different countries with 44% of their managerial roles occupied by women. They utilize their diverse workforce to create products that serve the differing needs of their audience, including the recent creation of accessible products for individuals with disabilities. P&G is also hugely dedicated to supporting minority- and women-owned businesses, provides a platform for discussions on race and equality and creates community outreach programs that give equal access to eco-friendly necessities on a global scale.
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