Core Tenets of Hacking the Workforce

The following is intended to transparently share and explain Hacking the Workforce's core tenets with all of our stakeholders, including our corporate partners.  We believe that embracing them in your organization as well is key as you strive to create diverse and inclusive workplaces.

  1. We envision and work towards a tech industry where all individuals, regardless of background, are empowered, well represented, and have full agency, from intern to CEO. We aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all community members, especially those from underrepresented groups, fostering a sense of belonging and equitable opportunity.

  2. We believe in the fundamental respect for all individuals and condemn all forms of discrimination. There is no true inclusion without unequivocal support for every individual within organizations and the broader community.

  3. We are committed to advancing the inclusion of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in the tech industry and helping to close opportunity gaps. This includes a focus on hiring a diverse internal team and intentionally centering these individuals in our program design.

  4. We believe in maintaining safe and private community spaces and upholding our members' right to privacy. We will never share personal or sensitive information with external parties; nor will we share conversations that have taken place privately, whether in-person or online.

  5. We proudly stand behind our code of conduct and are committed to its continuous enforcement at both our in-person events and in our virtual spaces to protect our members from harm. When a person breaks the code of conduct, we commit to taking appropriate action. The code of conduct will continue to evolve as we proactively seek feedback from the Hacking the Workforce community.

  6. We encourage companies to proactively support, engage, and listen to their employees, staying mindful of how business decisions may impact employee safety and wellbeing. In cases where companies fail to initiate these conversations, and employees voice concerns privately or publicly, we expect companies to address these concerns seriously and facilitate dialogue with senior leadership.

We are committed to supporting our corporate partners as they strive to provide safe and inclusive environments for their employees. We believe that one of the best ways to achieve this is through dialogue, education, and action.

We regularly engage with our supporters throughout their diversity and inclusion journeys ensuring their workplaces:

  • Have strong anti-discrimination policies and inclusive benefits

  • Foster a culture of respect and allyship through training and awareness programs

  • Encourage and invest in employee resource groups for underrepresented communities

  • Have flexible work policies that accommodate diverse needs

  • Offer compensation or recognition for employees who provide educational or advisory services on diversity and inclusion issues within the company

  • Provide and encourage a feedback loop between employees and senior leadership

  • Engage with local communities and organizations that support underrepresented groups