Microsoft often talks about inclusion and diversity and in the tech realm, it is easy for those to be buzzwords used to generate goodwill and little more. For Microsoft, the company wants to put a little more substance and weight behind diversity and inclusion. That is why the company is releasing the “Growth and Resilience in Tech” toolkit.
The toolkit is a part of the Microsoft Learn program and aims to tach users about promoting self belief, dealing with adversity, and other topics.
“Our goals are to help to usher in a new and diverse generation with the technical and resilience skills needed to have great impact in the world,” Microsoft says in a blog post. “We aim to build a more inclusive future by fostering confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging across industries.”
Microsoft wants to give individuals tools to find their own self worth. Through a series of small courses, the company will offer skills to survive in the corporate world and general life. For example, how to handle microaggressions or deal with self-doubt.
The program has been in testing since 2020 with 1,200 students. According to Microsoft, “97% of whom declared this [curriculum] had a profound impact teaching them skills they can immediately apply in school and life.”
Microsoft's Growth and Resilience in Tech curriculum is available now at Microsoft Learn, where you can see all the available modules.
Diversity Goals
Microsoft has been vocal in its support for diversity, including CEO Satya Nadella saying the company would do more to promote a diverse culture through the organization. Microsoft has pledged to double the number of black employees across senior roles, management, leaders, and contributors.
Last year, the US Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) criticized Microsoft's position. OFCCP argues the program violates the Civil Rights Act. The government body says the plan “appears to imply that the employment action may be taken on the basis of race”.
Microsoft insists that is not the case and the initiative is fully compliant with the law:
“Emphatically, they are not [race-based],” Microsoft corporate vice president and general counsel Dev Stahlkopf says.
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Last Updated on February 14, 2022 8:20 pm CET by Luke Jones
