The Business Case for Global Diversity & Inclusion

At Microsoft we recognize that markets in the U.S. and worldwide that are diverse in characteristics such as race, ethnicity, and/or gender represent a tremendous source of potential in the workplace and marketplace. The growth and youthfulness of diverse populations worldwide make them important targets as prospective employees.

Consider the following statistics:

  • By the year 2050, 85 percent of the entrants into the U.S. workforce will be racial and ethnic minorities and women.
  • Moreover, developing regions, such as China, Brazil, India, and Africa, make up an increasing share of the world population. They will account for approximately 88 percent of the global population by 2050.

Related Links

Share

Economically, diverse markets represent a growing source of consumption and buying power, and we must be prepared to serve the needs of the changing consumer marketplace.

The following statements highlight this diverse and changing consumer marketplace:

  • Worldwide, diverse populations account for 44 percent of the world's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
  • Within the U.S., diverse populations generate over $9 trillion dollars in buying power.
  • According to the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia, consumer buying power among people of color nearly doubled over the past decade, growing at a much faster rate than overall U.S. buying power.

Because our consumer base is constantly changing and growing, we need to be prepared in the following ways:

  • Diverse and inclusive enough to recognize the needs of customers in our current and new markets
  • Aware enough to anticipate, respond to, and serve the needs of the changing consumer marketplace
  • Engaged enough to contribute at the highest levels to deliver superior performance

By increasing the diversity and inclusion of our workforce and leveraging the insights of our diverse talent through an inclusive environment, we enhance our ability to compete in the world's increasingly diverse marketplace.