A new report by Info-Tech Research Group sheds light on the experiences of Black professionals in the technology industry. 

Titled “The State of Black Professionals in Tech,” the report offers in-depth data-backed insights on the unique barriers and challenges faced by Black professionals in the workplace. The report emphasizes the importance of understanding what makes up a “multicultural workforce,” highlighting that Black professionals have their own distinct experience when it comes to entering and navigating the tech industry. The report’s findings provide key takeaways for organizations seeking to improve their intentional DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives and attract and retain Black employees.

The struggle to attract and retain Black employees

Tech organizations often struggle to attract and retain Black employees, and the pandemic, along with preparations for a recession and talent trends such as “the great resignation” and “quiet quitting” have not only impacted diversity at large but also Black professionals in technology. In an effort to support organizations seeking to improve their intentional DEI initiatives, Info-Tech Research Group published its highly anticipated report, The State of Black Professionals in Tech.

Understanding what makes up a “multicultural workforce”

The report highlights the importance of understanding what makes up a “multicultural workforce,” as there is more to diversity than gender, race, and ethnicity. It notes that Black professionals have their own unique experience when it comes to entering and navigating the tech industry. Over 600 individuals were surveyed for the report, with the majority indicating they were born or living in the US, Canada, India, Nigeria, or the United Kingdom. Follow-up interviews provided additional insights on the data collected.

The report identifies several overarching themes and shared experiences when examining the experience of Black professionals in the tech industry. Black professionals feel unsatisfied with their current role, barriers to career advancement are more likely, and it takes them longer to find technology jobs. Advancement opportunities are more difficult to achieve for Black professionals, and many feel unable to be their authentic selves at work.

Working from home has reduced the impact of racial incidents

However, the report also highlights good news: there are various actions organizations can take to help address these barriers. One particularly notable takeaway is that working from home or remotely has reduced the impact of racial incidents in the workplace, leading to improved mood and sense of safety. Remote work also led to feelings of opportunities for career advancement, an important consideration when many Black professionals report challenges in achieving career advancement or promotions.

The report suggests that mentorship/sponsorship, training, employee resource groups, internal discussions around diversity, and external acknowledgment are common solutions that could be leveraged to support the rectification of the identified issues. It reminds organizational leaders that when implementing measures to support Black professionals within an organization, it is critical to ensure they are carefully thought-out and layered.

To gain access to the full scope of insights, areas of opportunity, and suggested solutions in combatting the unique barriers Black professionals face in the technology industry and workplace, download and read the complete The State of Black Professionals in Tech report.