"As we bring our innovations into more global markets and work to close the digital divide, it's never been more important to honor, respect and make the most of our Diversity. I encourage our employees to bring a global perspective into everything we do, and to continue investing in building and retaining a Diverse workforce." – Bill Gates Diversity and Inclusion is not just a statement on paper at Microsoft; it’s a core value, business imperative and an investment in our people. Microsoft has a comprehensive plan to promote and integrate diversity at every level within our organization and in everything we do. We believe that a diverse employee base with varied experiences enables us to better serve our customers’ needs and creates a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Our efforts are focused in the following core areas: Talent and Culture| • | We promote Diversity and Inclusion by encouraging multicultural perspectives at all levels, understanding workplace challenges and valuing the global population of our employees, customers and partners. Our goal is to create an environment where diverse talent is attracted and retained and where their perspectives are voiced and appreciated – an environment where employees are able to do their best work. |
Innovation| • | We believe that building the best software means incorporating the talents of our employees into our products, and recognizing what our diverse customers and partners need. As a global company, Microsoft employs people from over 135 different countries and regions. A multicultural workforce enables the company to attract and retain the most qualified employees, develop more innovative products and better serve the needs of a wide range of customers. By developing innovative solutions through the Microsoft Research Services based in Cambridge and at Thames Valley Park in Reading, Microsoft in the UK are producing scientific programmes and technical breakthroughs which will bring positive change to people’s lives. |
Customers and Partners| • | Our efforts to understand, value and incorporate differences are of utmost importance. We are pursuing our company's mission in all parts of the globe and understand that we must honor what the citizens in each country value. Microsoft supports its partner ecosystem of over 30,000 partners so they too can maintain a prosperous business and impact on the UK economy. |
Community Connection| • | We believe it’s important to contribute to the wider community and to take responsibility for the impacts we have on society, through our technology, our business and our behaviour. Working together with our employees, customers, partners, the IT industry and Government, we are able to go some way to making a positive, sustainable impact and help enable all to realise their true potential. Through our Citizenship programmes, Microsoft is committed to improving social and economic well being and building prosperity for all. |
We are seeing results – In the UK Microsoft consistently captures a high ranking on the various global lists of the “Best Companies to Work For” by organizations like The Times, The Financial Times, Great Place to Work Institute and many others. | |
