\tTechnology companies cannot afford to leave creating a more diverse workforce to chance, cautioned Jo Bertram, Telefonica O2 UK\u2019s chief digital and strategy officer.<\/p>\n
Speaking at 4YFN, Bertram said a diverse and inclusive workplace makes business sense for the operator, in part because it means Telefonica better represents the diversity of its customers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere should be no reason why we can\u2019t find a diverse pool of candidates and it\u2019s not just a question of gender,\u201d said Bertram. But \u201cbecause of [existing] imbalances we need to try harder. At O2 we push recruiters to come to us with a diverse shortlist\u201d.<\/p>\n
O2 undertakes several other initiatives to build a workforce that reflects the make-up of society.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe foster diversity in our apprenticeship and graduate schemes. Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) is important\u2026and more than 50 per cent of the applications are female.\u201d<\/p>\n
When considering candidates who may have lacked opportunities, \u201cit\u2019s important to think about the potential rather than proven experience\u201d, advised Bertram.<\/p>\n
Telefonica\u2019s start-up accelerator Wayra also helps drive inclusion, with women leading 45 per cent of the start-ups.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a really diverse pool of founders and teams”, which shows “how well Wayra can connect in the community,\u201d said Bertram.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Technology companies cannot afford to leave creating a more diverse workforce to chance, cautioned Jo …<\/p>\n
The post Diversity makes business sense for O2<\/a> appeared first on Mobile World Live<\/a>.<\/p>\n