Technology companies face a number of challenges, especially when it comes to ensuring the digital infrastructure is maintained. To do this, it is important that remote workers are kept in regular communication with office employees. This can help prevent productivity loss and keep everyone involved in the process. Often, this is done through internal communications platforms like Slack or video conference calls. However, it is still important to have a physical space for these remote workers to come and go as needed. This can be helpful for a variety of reasons, including the fact that it helps them to feel as if they are part of the company culture.
One of the biggest issues facing these firms is racial and gender disparities. In a first-of-its-kind analysis of 177 Silicon Valley tech companies, Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting found that many haven’t taken the steps necessary to address these problems. Among them, ten large Silicon Valley tech companies did not employ a single black woman in 2016. Six of these same companies did not have a single female executive.
Even at companies that have good diversity statistics, there are often roadblocks to advancing people to leadership roles, said Sharla Alegria, an assistant professor of sociology at UC-Merced who studies the tech industry. In interviews with dozens of workers, she found that women and minorities often face bias and stereotypes that keep them from being promoted. She also noted that women and minorities in support roles who want to move up the ladder have less access to training or mentorship that could get them there.
