Microsoft reveals diversity numbers, number of women drop

Microsoft recently released it’s latest workforce numbers to the public via a blog post, and while ethnic diversity remains flat for the most part when compared with those of 2014, the number of women employed by the software giant dropped significantly from a meager 29% to an abysmal 26.8%, leaving a whopping 73.1%, or nearly 3/4 of the workforce dominated by men.

This news comes not too long after the company has vowed to invest money into high schools around the country for improved computer science education, including an effort to get more young women involved in the field of technology. Gwen Houston, General Manager of Global Diversity and Inclusion writes:

As I look at our numbers, I see a story that to some degree is being repeated throughout the industry. While certain leading indicators are trending up and we are starting to see signs of progress, systemic challenges remain when it comes to increasing the presence of women and minorities at all levels of the workforce. The implications are clear: we need to build on the areas where there is some early momentum, address areas where we’re not yet seeing real progress, and above all, remain focused on the importance of increasing diversity and building a more inclusive culture at Microsoft.

Microsoft blames the reduction in women in the workforce on the lay-offs of 7,800 people after the Nokia acquisition. Despite this, the company sees this as a step in the right direction and expects to continue seeing growth well into the first quarter of the FY17.

More the entire breakdown of the company’s diversity report, hit up the source link below.