Microsoft Netherlands joins 13 organizations to sign Diversity Charter

Microsoft has taken their commitment to diversity quite seriously in the last few years. However, in Microsoft Netherlands, only nine percent of technological positions are filled by women.

We know that Microsoft as a whole has been suffering from the Nokia employee layoffs and has been making active efforts to encourage and hire more females into their company. According to the General Manager of Microsoft Netherland, Ernst-Jan Stigter, diversity is not a ‘nice to have’ it is a ‘need to have.’ That is why Microsoft Netherlands invited thirteen other organizations to a recent event to sign the Diversity Charter.

The Charter is a voluntary commitment to promote and provide for a diverse workplace. This includes a variety of ages, genders, orientations, cultures, ethnicities, and religions.

The event to gather and sign the Diversity Charter was driven by studies that have shown companies with more variety have more successful innovations and are generally just more satisfied with their jobs. Companies that have signed the Diversity Charter intend to provide equal opportunity for the belief that more difference in its employees will beget a more productive and efficient workplace.

There isn’t any legal obligation for these companies to act upon their commitment. In fact, the Charter signature is merely an act of ethical code. However, it’s still good to see organizations such as Microsoft Netherlands making these goals.