The New Standards Aiming to Boost Diversity in Tech

Last week, the Tech Council of Australia (TCA), in partnership with Project F, unveiled the T-EDI Standards- a new initiative designed to help tech companies improve their equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practices. This game-changing certification framework is set to make waves in the industry, particularly for women in tech, by equipping businesses with the tools to create more inclusive workplaces and attract a more diverse talent pool.

What are the T-EDI standards?

The T-EDI standards are a comprehensive, evidence-based framework that allows tech companies to assess their EDI practices against 10 key markers. These include hiring practices, parental leave policies, pay transparency, and flexible work arrangements – factors that can have a major impact on the inclusivity and overall culture of a workplace.

By meeting these standards, companies can work their way through varying levels of certification – from foundation to leading – demonstrating their commitment to improving diversity and inclusion. For many businesses, the framework provides a clear, actionable roadmap for change, allowing them to develop an action plan tailored to their specific needs and challenges.

Why these standards matter

Women have long been underrepresented in tech, with only 28% of the workforce identifying as female, compared to 51% of the overall workforce. The lack of diversity in the tech sector is a systemic issue that has persisted for decades, and the introduction of the T-EDI standards is a critical step towards addressing this imbalance.

For women in particular, creating a more diverse and inclusive work environment can open up new career opportunities, ensure fair pay, and foster a more supportive culture. The flexibility offered by many tech jobs is also an appealing factor, as more women seek to enter the workforce and balance family life with their careers.

Emma Jones, CEO and Founder of Project F, who led the development of the T-EDI standards, highlighted that there are two key ingredients for driving change: leadership commitment and creating systems that make diversity easier to implement. “The T-EDI standards offer clear guidance and accountability, empowering companies to implement practical solutions to create and reap the benefits of a diverse and inclusive work environment,” Jones said.

The path to certification

The T-EDI standards offer companies a simple and transparent way to measure their diversity progress. With the help of an interactive platform and app, businesses can complete self-assessments to benchmark their current status and track improvements over time. They can then access a comprehensive action plan packed with resources, data, and tools to help them meet the standards and improve their diversity initiatives.

Tech companies seeking recognition for their commitment to diversity will find the certification process a valuable asset. As they work through the levels of certification, businesses gain a clear understanding of where they stand and how to make meaningful changes.

Endorsements from industry leaders

Leading companies, including Atlassian, Telstra, CyberCX, Accenture, PEXA, and Culture Amp, have already endorsed and adopted the T-EDI standards. PEXA, for example, has made significant strides in improving gender diversity, increasing female participation in their workforce from 21% to 37% in just two years.

Eglantine Etiemble, Chief Technology Officer at PEXA, spoke about the importance of these standards in driving meaningful change. “The T-EDI standards give companies a clear and actionable framework to define what good looks like, embed equity, and drive real progress,” Etiemble said. “It also provides transparency to prospective employees, creating a differentiating value proposition for employers.”

The bigger picture

The launch of the T-EDI standards is a significant milestone in Australia’s efforts to address the gender imbalance in tech. By supporting businesses in creating more diverse and inclusive work environments, the initiative aligns with the national goal of creating 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030. With tech jobs being some of the most flexible and in-demand roles, improving diversity will not only help businesses attract top talent but also foster innovation and growth within the sector.

For women looking to break into tech or progress further in their careers, this initiative offers hope for a more inclusive future in an industry that has historically been difficult to enter. The T-EDI standards ensure that companies are held accountable for their diversity practices, making it easier for women and other underrepresented groups to thrive in the tech workforce.

If you’re a company looking to adopt the T-EDI standards or want to learn more about how they can help improve your workplace, visit www.tedistandards.com or contact community@techcouncil.com.au for more information.