Social and human impact
Citizens everywhere are rallying around justice and equity issues, legislation is growing, and IT and business leaders are being held to higher standards. Get tips, guides and news on ways technology and business strategy can support diversity, equity and inclusion; human rights in supply chains; climate action that supports people; and other vital issues.
Top Stories
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Feature
05 Dec 2023
CEOs and social media: Best practices and examples explained
CEOs are the public face of a company. Learn the components of an executive social strategy as well as how it can boost a company's reputation and attract new audiences. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2023
How to create accessible PDF documents
If businesses create accessible PDF documents, they can reach more customers and expand their business opportunities. Learn how to create and ensure all documents are accessible. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Nov 2023
Why is diversity important in marketing?
Diversity marketing can help marketers improve personalization, connect with younger audiences and increase brand loyalty. However, inauthentic efforts can erode customer trust. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2023
Checklist to create accessible Word documents
To better support employees and reach more customers, content teams should use this checklist to create accessible Word documents and learn key tips about alt text and font styles. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Oct 2023
4 environmental impacts of remote work
Remote work could have certain sustainability advantages over in-office work. Business and HR leaders can consider these when deciding what options to offer employees. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Sep 2023
Use geo-redundant backups for long-distance data protection
Storing duplicated data across multiple regions is a tried-and-true method of protection, but geo-redundant backup can bring its own set of complications. Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2023
Emissions data strengthens case for remote, hybrid work
A Cornell University-Microsoft study shows that remote work cuts carbon emissions, but how much depends on the model itself as one day of working from home a week is negligible. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Sep 2023
8 tips for sustainable business travel
Business travelers can reduce their carbon footprint in several ways, including considering eco-friendly transportation, choosing green hotels and eating locally. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Sep 2023
Toward justice and sustainability in the tech industry
In this excerpt from his book 'Insolvent,' author and professor Christoph Becker outlines why and how to reorient the tech sector toward social justice and sustainability. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Sep 2023
The role of tech in climate change and climate justice
In this interview, Insolvent author Christoph Becker discusses tech's complex effects on climate and society and the need to center social justice and sustainability in computing. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Sep 2023
How unified communications tools address accessibility
The increased use of cloud communications means the tools must be accessible for everyone. Organizations should vet how their UC providers support accessibility features. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Aug 2023
Former Google exec on how AI affects internet safety
Longtime trust and safety leader Tom Siegel offers an insider's view on moderating AI-generated content, the limits of self-regulation and concrete steps to curb emerging risks. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Aug 2023
4 sustainability ideas for hybrid offices
Sustainability ideas for hybrid offices include examining heating and cooling practices and encouraging carpooling. Learn more ideas HR leaders can implement. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2023
Urban doom loop explained: What it means for businesses
Offices are exceedingly vacant across major cities, and some experts worry it's indicative of an urban doom loop. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2023
6 ways to reduce different types of bias in machine learning
As adoption of machine learning grows, companies must become data experts or risk results that are inaccurate, unfair or even dangerous. Here's how to combat machine learning bias. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2023
The implications of generative AI for trust and safety
Leaving generative AI unchecked risks flooding platforms with disinformation, fraud and toxic content. But proactive steps by companies and policymakers could stem the tide. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jul 2023
2 sustainable packaging benefits and 1 challenge to know
Learn how using sustainable packaging can benefit companies in various ways, including to improve brand image, as well as challenges of which supply chain leaders should be aware. Continue Reading
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Podcast
07 Jul 2023
Impact data powers sustainability strategies for digital age
Unlock new growth potential and sustainability with impact data. Learn more in this podcast. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jun 2023
How to increase employee engagement on sustainability
Getting employees excited about sustainability topics doesn't just happen. Here's how initiatives such as sustainability ERGs and volunteering opportunities can spark engagement. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jun 2023
11 organizations that support LGBTQ+ workers in tech
These organizations empower the LGBTQ+ community by providing job and networking opportunities, meetups, education and advocacy. Learn more about the benefits they offer. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2023
Why sustainability improves recruitment, retention
Publicizing sustainability efforts can help a company with employee recruitment. Learn how sustainability is also affecting retention, as well as some best practices for HR leaders. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
11 May 2023
Responsible innovation: 5 questions tech leaders must ask
For too long, innovation has occurred at the expense of environmental and social sustainability. Today's leaders must now prioritize responsible innovation. Learn how. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 May 2023
Where climate change and cyber attacks intersect
One session at RSA Conference 2023 focused on climate change -- a topic that is not commonly featured during cybersecurity conversations, but should be. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 May 2023
An examination of what it means to be a woman in tech
What does it mean to be a woman in tech and how can companies help their female workers? Learn how companies can offer support. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Apr 2023
ESG strategy and management: Complete guide for businesses
ESG initiatives can help boost business success. This guide takes an in-depth look at creating and managing an ESG strategy to benefit a company and its various stakeholders. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2023
Breaking the cycle of algorithmic bias in AI systems
As powerful organizations begin to integrate models such as GPT-4, ensuring fair and equitable access to resources of all kinds requires open discourse about algorithmic bias in AI. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2023
Sustainability and ESG glossary: 52 terms to know
Sustainable strategies require basic understanding of the fundamentals. Business leaders and IT teams can benefit from this list of essential sustainability terms and ESG concepts. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Apr 2023
A timeline and history of ESG investing, rules and practices
Many events, trends, actions and milestones over the past three decades have imbued businesses and investors with a stronger social, environmental and sustainability commitment. Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2023
DEI initiatives hurt by budget cuts, hostile politics
Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives face multiple attacks from layoffs, budget cuts and political opposition that question the value of these programs. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Apr 2023
5 ways organizations can address the social factors of ESG
The social factors of ESG have become more prominent. Here's what they involve and how companies can take tangible actions to address social issues in ESG programs. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Apr 2023
Who profits from open source maintainers' work?
Open source is critical to the tech industry, but nearly half of maintainers work unpaid -- and the situation is becoming untenable amid rising corporate use and security concerns. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Apr 2023
8 organizations that promote women in STEM
Learn how eight organizations are supporting women in science, technology, engineering and math. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2023
At MLconf, speakers stress need for responsible AI framework
Amid rising concerns about responsible AI, including recent calls for a pause in development, experts at MLconf urged caution and accountability when deploying AI systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2023
5 best practices for a sustainable marketing strategy
Sustainable marketing can boost brand loyalty, but marketers need an effective strategy. Brands should commit to a larger purpose, take a long-term approach and remain consistent. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Mar 2023
Collaboration tools help and hinder workplace accessibility
Cloud-based collaboration tools have improved workplace accessibility for people with disabilities. But IT leaders must examine where collaboration tools still fall short. Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2023
Proposed federal budget seeks CHIPS and Science Act funding
Emerging technology research, including in climate science and clean energy, tops Biden's tech investments in his proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2024. Continue Reading
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News
23 Feb 2023
Lawsuit alleges Workday's AI enables hiring bias
An older Black man with a disability is accusing Workday's technology of hindering his pursuit for employment, claiming its AI is biased. Workday says the lawsuit has no merit. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Feb 2023
Federal report focuses on AI diversity and ethics
A national group formed to advance the research and development of AI in the U.S. proposes ways to add more variety among students, educators and researchers studying AI. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2023
EEOC hearing on AI bias criticized as one-sided
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission held a hearing this week to examine how AI bias can hurt job seekers. But the panel's composition was accused of being unbalanced. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2023
NYC's controversial AI bias audit law gets new hearing
New York City's new automated employment decision tool law, designed to root out AI bias in hiring, is having trouble getting off the ground. Continue Reading
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News
09 Dec 2022
Diversity within your AI team can reduce bias
The CEO of the Women Leaders in Data and AI group discusses why including women and other underrepresented groups on AI teams can help to address the problem of AI bias. Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2022
DEI policies and politics divide workplace
In today's workplace, many employees avoid co-workers they don't agree with politically, and also work to resist business efforts to deploy DEI policies. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Oct 2022
9 workplace diversity books to read in 2022
Learn to create and foster an inclusive culture for innovation and a sense of belonging for all employees. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Oct 2022
6 reasons why diversity in STEM is important
Diversity in STEM industries brings together different perspectives, creates a better experience and generates better results. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Oct 2022
How to start an inclusive mentoring program
An inclusive mentoring program can improve an employee's sense of belonging and create new relationships between workers. Learn how to start one and mistakes to avoid. Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2022
DEI firm that connects job seekers with employers gets $30M
A startup's diversity, equity and inclusion platform raised millions in its latest funding round as employers start turning to third-party systems for help. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Oct 2022
The long-term answer to fixing bias in AI systems
The technology is exploding with new developments daily. However, problems with training data can lead to bias. Fixing it requires retraining the data and educating users. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Oct 2022
Tech talent development rests on DEI, upskilling, teamwork
Liberty Mutual Insurance's next CIO, Monica Caldas, shares new ways of solving the IT talent problem and explains why soft skills are critical for today's IT teams. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Aug 2022
New AI ethics advisory board will deal with challenges
Created by the Institute for Experiential AI at Northeastern University, the board will help organizations without internal audit boards but will face some challenges. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jun 2022
Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion: Essentials for businesses
As the demographics in the modern workforce change, so, too, do the demands. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2022
Federal warning on AI hiring bias now comes with teeth
Federal regulators have been warning employers about the risk of AI bias in hiring. The Justice Department is now involved, which means investigations may be next. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Apr 2022
How to create effective and inclusive job ads: 4 tips
Learn how to create inclusive job ads, including examining your language to make sure you're not turning away women or people of color, and why doing so is important. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Apr 2022
How AI ethics is the cornerstone of governance
The concept of AI ethics ensures that AI systems provide accuracy and reliability. Businesses will benefit from adopting AI ethics strategies of their own. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2022
How technology can help identify pay inequity
Various technologies and tools, including job evaluation software and compensation planning applications, may help companies identify pay inequity. Learn how. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Feb 2022
Differentiating between good and bad AI bias
As lawmakers and regulators look at ways to make machine learning models fair, some tech vendors are creating tools that aim to enable enterprises to achieve that purpose. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
09 Feb 2022
Diversity, equity and inclusion tips for small companies
HR departments might make diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives easier, but SMBs can still develop diversity in-house and throughout the supply chain with these tips. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2022
IRS facial recognition move raises bias, privacy concerns
The agency requires photo identification for certain services using a face match system from digital ID vendor ID.me, but privacy advocates say the technology is prone to bias. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jan 2022
US sees hiring bias in unemployment rates
The EEOC says hiring rates for people of color are worrisome. It has started an effort to help employers reduce hiring bias, which includes looking at processes and tech. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Nov 2021
IT skills shortage opens chances for growth and diversity
A lack of skilled employees can hurt business initiatives. To solve this IT skills gap will take commitments to meeting employee demands and dedication to learning. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2021
Why algorithmic auditing can't fully cope with AI bias in hiring
Critics say you can't trust AI yet with diversity and inclusion in hiring -- or the elaborate audits meant to root out AI bias. Hiring software vendors beg to differ. Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2021
New pay equity laws require proof of fair pay
Pay equity laws that require firms to collect and report data are making inroads in the U.S. One HR tech vendor is preparing to provide companies with tools that will help. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jun 2021
5 ways AI bias hurts your business
A biased AI system can lead businesses to produce skewed, harmful and even racist predictions. It's important for enterprises to understand the power and risks of AI bias. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jun 2021
Combating racial bias in AI
By employing a diverse team to work on AI models, using large, diverse training sets, and keeping a sharp eye out, enterprises can root out bias in their AI models. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 May 2021
Open source effort seeks to build tech diversity into code
A CNCF initiative to build tech diversity directly into open source code and documentation takes shape as the industry faces pressure to become more inclusive. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 May 2021
A data-driven approach to DEI supports real diversity
Improve diversity and inclusion with an in-depth approach to making people of color, women and other marginalized groups feel good about where they work. Learn how data can help. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2021
VA's lack of diversity in management called out in hearing
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs faces criticism over its lack of diversity in senior management, where white workers are more likely to gain management roles than Black workers. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 May 2021
How to detect bias in existing AI algorithms
While enterprises can't eliminate bias from their data, they can significantly reduce bias by establishing a governance framework and employing more diverse employees. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Apr 2021
20 diversity and inclusion tools to power your DEI program
Diversity and inclusion tools shouldn't replace strategy, but these tools can help companies in multiple ways, from tracking goals to removing applicant identifiers. Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2021
DEI tools arrive at critical time for HR
Employers are being held accountable for meeting diversity, equity and inclusion goals, especially executives. HR vendors are responding with new tools, including ADP. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Mar 2021
Racial, gender diversity in tech improving at a glacial pace
The tech industry has made some progress in improving gender diversity in recent years, but some populations have been excluded from this progress. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Feb 2021
CTO on the need for AI ethics and diversity
A CTO talks about the importance of diverse data sets when creating AI models and how a lack of diversity can create bias in systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2021
5 important diversity issues in the workplace for 2021
Black Lives Matter threw a spotlight on diversity issues in 2020. In 2021, workplace diversity, equity and inclusion issues are likely to become even more important. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2021
Study finds hiring bias by recruiters, especially tired ones
Research published in Nature finds strong evidence of hiring bias by recruiters and uncovers notable patterns of when biased decision making is more likely to occur. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2021
Diversity, equity and inclusion are hot, but tools need vetting
The diversity, equity and inclusion tools market is going mainstream, giving HR buyers more options than ever before. But due diligence is needed. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jan 2021
Diverse talent pools and data sets can help solve bias in AI
Bringing historically underrepresented employees into critical parts of the design process while creating an AI model can reduce or eliminate bias in that model. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Dec 2020
Top 4 diversity recruiting strategies to achieve true D&I
Increased scrutiny from the public has caused employers to seek innovative diversity and inclusion strategies. Here's how to make sure your diversity recruiting strategies succeed. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Nov 2020
7 keys to a successful diversity and inclusion initiative
Today's workforce is calling for a stop to bias and prejudice, and business and HR leaders need to take effective action. Here's a look at diversity initiative best practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Oct 2020
5 benefits of developing diversity in customer service
Creating an environment of diversity and inclusion within customer service teams is essential in today's market. Here are some ways that businesses can benefit. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
20 Oct 2020
How to start a diversity and inclusion program in your business
Download a step-by-step diversity and inclusion planning guide to help your company -- no matter its size -- develop and implement a successful D&I initiative. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jun 2020
Tech's racial diversity problem meets its day of reckoning
Tech's diversity problem is under intense scrutiny amid national protests over systemic racism. But the solution goes well beyond simply hiring more people of color. Continue Reading