Social and human impact
Citizens everywhere are rallying around justice and equity issues, legislation is growing, and IT and business leaders are being held to higher standards. Get tips, guides and news on ways technology and business strategy can support diversity, equity and inclusion; human rights in supply chains; climate action that supports people; and other vital issues.
Top Stories
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Feature
05 Dec 2024
Traditional media vs. new media: Differences, pros and cons
Traditional and new media have several differences but can still influence each other. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Dec 2024
Understanding the impact of data center noise pollution
Data center noise pollution from generators and cooling systems disrupts nearby communities and affects health. Community concern raises demand to reduce noise levels. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Dec 2024
What is artificial intelligence as a service (AIaaS)?
Artificial intelligence as a service (AIaaS) is a cloud-based service that enables organizations to access artificial intelligence (AI) through a third-party offering. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Dec 2024
What is the digital divide?
The digital divide is the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology (ICT) and those with no or restricted access. Continue Reading
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News
27 Nov 2024
DEI backlash grows as Congress, Walmart scale back efforts
The next Congress is almost certain to approve legislation banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Some businesses, such as Walmart, are also pulling back on DEI. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Nov 2024
How the rise in AI impacts data centers and the environment
AI's impact on data centers raises environmental concerns as rising energy demands from technologies such as ChatGPT strain resources and challenge sustainability. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Nov 2024
What is contact center infrastructure?
A contact center infrastructure (CCI) is a framework composed of the physical and virtual resources that a contact or call center facility needs to operate effectively. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Nov 2024
Managing a multigenerational workforce: Tips from an expert
A recruiting expert with 26 years of experience provides advice on how organizations can keep a multigenerational workforce engaged without compromising the company mission. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2024
Diversity in leadership: Forge your own success
Eugina Jordan is a CMO in tech who wrote a leadership book for underrepresented professionals who want to become corporate leaders. Here, she answers four questions about the book. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Oct 2024
What is AI ethics?
AI ethics is a system of moral principles and techniques intended to inform the development and responsible use of artificial intelligence technology. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2024
In defense of a digital circular economy
Digital tech can potentially help companies follow the circular economy model, but critics point out possible issues as well, including continuing demand for plastics. Learn more. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Oct 2024
What is ESG (environmental, social and governance)?
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is a framework used to assess an organization's business practices and performance on various sustainability and ethical issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Oct 2024
7 effects of social media on mental health
Social media is linked to mental health issues, such as anxiety and body image distortion. Setting limits, taking breaks and engaging in offline activities can foster healthier habits. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Sep 2024
What is a call center? Everything you need to know
A call center is a centralized department of customer service professionals who handle inbound and outbound calls from current and potential customers. Continue Reading
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News
11 Sep 2024
U.S. finds women persistently underrepresented in tech
Women make up less than a quarter of high-skill tech workers, according to a new U.S. report. The reasons for this low number, which hasn't changed much since 2005, are unclear. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Sep 2024
What is machine learning bias (AI bias)?
Machine learning bias, also known as 'algorithm bias' or 'AI bias,' is a phenomenon that occurs when an algorithm produces results that are systemically prejudiced due to erroneous assumptions in the machine learning (ML) process. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Aug 2024
What is ESG reporting?
ESG reporting is a type of corporate disclosure that details the environmental, social and governance (ESG) promises, efforts and progress of an organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2024
ESG strategy and management: A guide for businesses
ESG initiatives can help boost business success. This guide takes an in-depth look at creating and managing an ESG strategy to benefit a company and its various stakeholders. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Aug 2024
What is employee self-service (ESS)?
Employee self-service (ESS) is a widely used human resources technology that enables employees to perform many job-related functions that were once largely paper-based, or otherwise maintained by management, administrative or HR staff. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2024
How much do consumers care about ESG and sustainability?
Find out whether consumers make purchasing decisions based on sustainability, climate impact and other ESG issues and to what extent these factors drive their behavior. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Aug 2024
A timeline and history of ESG investing, rules and practices
Many events, trends and actions have influenced the development of corporate ESG strategies and ESG investing approaches. These are key milestones to know about. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Aug 2024
What is ESG data? Examples, uses, issues
As more companies are judged on their sustainability profile, ESG data has become critical. Learn what it is -- including examples -- and why it’s important. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Aug 2024
What is DEI? Diversity, equity and inclusion explained
Diversity, equity and inclusion is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and participation of different groups of individuals. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Aug 2024
What is greenwashing?
Greenwashing refers to the act of making false or misleading claims about the positive environmental impact that a company, product or service has on the environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Aug 2024
What is the triple bottom line (TBL)?
The triple bottom line (TBL) is a sustainability-based accounting framework that includes social, environmental and financial factors as bottom-line categories. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2024
ESG, SRI and impact investing: Key differences explained
Understanding the nuances of ESG investing, SRI and impact investing is important for companies and investors. Learn what they have in common and how they differ. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jul 2024
What is corporate social responsibility (CSR)?
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a strategy undertaken by companies to not just grow profits, but also to take an active and positive social role in the world around them. The term is also associated with the related term corporate citizenship. Continue Reading
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Video
30 Jul 2024
An explanation of green-collar jobs
Green-collar jobs merge environmental sustainability with diverse skills from white- and blue-collar sectors. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jul 2024
6 ways to reduce different types of bias in machine learning
As adoption of machine learning grows, companies must become data experts or risk results that are inaccurate, unfair or even dangerous. Here's how to combat machine learning bias. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jul 2024
CSRD explained: What U.S., other companies need to know
The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive requires companies to report on a broad range of sustainability topics. Learn about its tenets, requirements and deadlines. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jul 2024
Trends in the electric vehicle market in 2024
In recent years, the EV market has gone through many changes due to rapid advancements in technologies and shifting market trends. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Jul 2024
employee churn
Employee churn is the overall turnover in an organization's staff as existing employees leave and new ones are hired. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2024
personally identifiable information (PII)
Personally identifiable information (PII) is any data that could potentially identify a specific individual. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jun 2024
self-driving car (autonomous car or driverless car)
A self-driving car -- sometimes called an autonomous car or driverless car -- is a vehicle that uses a combination of sensors, cameras, radar and artificial intelligence (AI) to travel between destinations without a human operator. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jun 2024
5 ways organizations can address ESG's social factors
The social factors of ESG have become more prominent. Here's what they involve and how companies can take tangible actions to address social issues in ESG programs. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 May 2024
genomics
Genomics is the study of an organism's entire genome, including all its genes and how those genes interact with each other and their environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 May 2024
operational efficiency
Operational efficiency refers to an organization's ability to reduce waste of time, effort and material while still producing a high-quality service or product. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2024
employee onboarding and offboarding
Employee onboarding involves all the steps needed to get a new employee successfully deployed and productive, while offboarding involves separating an employee from a firm. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2024
e-cycling
E-cycling, also known as 'electronic recycling,' is the reuse or recycling of used electronic materials to limit e-waste. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Apr 2024
recruitment management system (RMS)
A recruitment management system (RMS) is a set of tools designed to manage the employee recruiting and hiring process. It might be the most important core human resources (HR) system. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Apr 2024
HR service delivery
HR service delivery is a term used to explain how an organization's human resources department offers services to and interacts with employees. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Apr 2024
Creating equity for women in communications and technology
Creating a more equitable workplace starts at the top. Female IT leaders at Enterprise Connect explain how to create a culture that supports women in communications. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2024
HR automation
Human resources automation (HR automation) is a method of using software to automate and streamline repetitive and laborious HR tasks. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2024
6 real-life examples of effective diversity marketing
Inclusive marketing can take many forms but always requires authenticity. Explore these real-life examples from companies like Breezit, LLYC and Stallion Express. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Mar 2024
human capital management (HCM)
Human capital management (HCM) is a comprehensive set of practices and tools used for recruiting, managing and developing employees as a valuable business 'asset' rather than just as a business 'cost.' Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Mar 2024
Starlab space station
Starlab is a commercial space station set to be deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO) by 2030. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2024
How to create a diversity and inclusion marketing strategy
Diversity marketing helps organizations attract new customers, but to implement a strategy, marketers need an internal D&I initiative and to learn about their audience. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2024
4 data center trends to watch in 2024
With rising demand for data space, companies must plan to expand their data centers in an eco-friendly way. 2024 data center trends have one main focus: sustainability. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jan 2024
cognitive diversity
Cognitive diversity is the inclusion of people who have different styles of problem-solving and can offer unique perspectives because they think differently, have divergent perspectives and come from varied backgrounds. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2024
How AI is advancing assistive technology
Recent advances in generative AI could revolutionize assistive technology. For people relying on assistive tools, AI-powered devices could usher in a new era of accessibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jan 2024
Best practices to create accessible documents
Anyone who creates content can make documents accessible for people who use assistive technologies. These best practices lay out how to ensure content is accessible. Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2023
Compound natural disasters emerge as new HR risk
Compounding natural disasters is something businesses will need to plan for. Employees face physical recovery and mental health issues, affecting work performance. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Dec 2023
The benefits of diversity in sales teams
A diverse sales team can improve customer connections and boost employee engagement. However, sales managers must create an inclusive work culture if they want to retain talent. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Dec 2023
Why are accessible documents important?
Accessible documents can reach broader audiences, improve users' experiences and ensure compliance with local regulations. This simple strategy can greatly benefit businesses. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Dec 2023
Digital accessibility standards to note
Business leaders must understand the benefits of creating an accessible digital experience. Learn more about the digital accessibility standards laid out by the W3C and ADA. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Dec 2023
CEOs and social media: Best practices and examples explained
CEOs are the public face of a company. Learn the components of an executive social strategy as well as how it can boost a company's reputation and attract new audiences. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2023
How to create accessible PDF documents
If businesses create accessible PDF documents, they can reach more customers and expand their business opportunities. Learn how to create and ensure all documents are accessible. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Nov 2023
Why is diversity important in marketing?
Diversity marketing can help marketers improve personalization, connect with younger audiences and increase brand loyalty. However, inauthentic efforts can erode customer trust. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2023
Checklist to create accessible Word documents
To better support employees and reach more customers, content teams should use this checklist to create accessible Word documents and learn key tips about alt text and font styles. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Nov 2023
ICT (information and communications technology or technologies)
ICT, or information and communications technology (or technologies), is the infrastructure and components that enable modern computing. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Oct 2023
4 environmental impacts of remote work
Remote work could have certain sustainability advantages over in-office work. Business and HR leaders can consider these when deciding what options to offer employees. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Sep 2023
Use geo-redundant backups for long-distance data protection
Storing duplicated data across multiple regions is a tried-and-true method of protection, but geo-redundant backup can bring its own set of complications. Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2023
Emissions data strengthens case for remote, hybrid work
A Cornell University-Microsoft study shows that remote work cuts carbon emissions, but how much depends on the model itself as one day of working from home a week is negligible. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Sep 2023
8 tips for sustainable business travel
Business travelers can reduce their carbon footprint in several ways, including considering eco-friendly transportation, choosing green hotels and eating locally. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Sep 2023
Toward justice and sustainability in the tech industry
In this excerpt from his book 'Insolvent,' author and professor Christoph Becker outlines why and how to reorient the tech sector toward social justice and sustainability. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Sep 2023
The role of tech in climate change and climate justice
In this interview, Insolvent author Christoph Becker discusses tech's complex effects on climate and society and the need to center social justice and sustainability in computing. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Sep 2023
How unified communications tools address accessibility
The increased use of cloud communications means the tools must be accessible for everyone. Organizations should vet how their UC providers support accessibility features. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Aug 2023
Former Google exec on how AI affects internet safety
Longtime trust and safety leader Tom Siegel offers an insider's view on moderating AI-generated content, the limits of self-regulation and concrete steps to curb emerging risks. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Aug 2023
4 sustainability ideas for hybrid offices
Sustainability ideas for hybrid offices include examining heating and cooling practices and encouraging carpooling. Learn more ideas HR leaders can implement. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2023
Urban doom loop explained: What it means for businesses
Offices are exceedingly vacant across major cities, and some experts worry it's indicative of an urban doom loop. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2023
The implications of generative AI for trust and safety
Leaving generative AI unchecked risks flooding platforms with disinformation, fraud and toxic content. But proactive steps by companies and policymakers could stem the tide. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jul 2023
2 sustainable packaging benefits and 1 challenge to know
Learn how using sustainable packaging can benefit companies in various ways, including to improve brand image, as well as challenges of which supply chain leaders should be aware. Continue Reading
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Podcast
07 Jul 2023
Impact data powers sustainability strategies for digital age
Unlock new growth potential and sustainability with impact data. Learn more in this podcast. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jun 2023
How to increase employee engagement on sustainability
Getting employees excited about sustainability topics doesn't just happen. Here's how initiatives such as sustainability ERGs and volunteering opportunities can spark engagement. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jun 2023
11 organizations that support LGBTQ+ workers in tech
These organizations empower the LGBTQ+ community by providing job and networking opportunities, meetups, education and advocacy. Learn more about the benefits they offer. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
A Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) is a small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2023
Why sustainability improves recruitment, retention
Publicizing sustainability efforts can help a company with employee recruitment. Learn how sustainability is also affecting retention, as well as some best practices for HR leaders. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
11 May 2023
Responsible innovation: 5 questions tech leaders must ask
For too long, innovation has occurred at the expense of environmental and social sustainability. Today's leaders must now prioritize responsible innovation. Learn how. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2023
application blacklisting (application blocklisting)
Application blacklisting --increasingly called application blocklisting -- is a network or computer administration practice used to prevent the execution of undesirable software programs. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 May 2023
AI alignment
AI alignment is a field of AI safety research that aims to ensure artificial intelligence systems achieve desired outcomes. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 May 2023
Where climate change and cyber attacks intersect
One session at RSA Conference 2023 focused on climate change -- a topic that is not commonly featured during cybersecurity conversations, but should be. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 May 2023
An examination of what it means to be a woman in tech
What does it mean to be a woman in tech and how can companies help their female workers? Learn how companies can offer support. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2023
Breaking the cycle of algorithmic bias in AI systems
As powerful organizations begin to integrate models such as GPT-4, ensuring fair and equitable access to resources of all kinds requires open discourse about algorithmic bias in AI. Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2023
DEI initiatives hurt by budget cuts, hostile politics
Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives face multiple attacks from layoffs, budget cuts and political opposition that question the value of these programs. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Apr 2023
Who profits from open source maintainers' work?
Open source is critical to the tech industry, but nearly half of maintainers work unpaid -- and the situation is becoming untenable amid rising corporate use and security concerns. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Apr 2023
8 organizations that promote women in STEM
Learn how eight organizations are supporting women in science, technology, engineering and math. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2023
At MLconf, speakers stress need for responsible AI framework
Amid rising concerns about responsible AI, including recent calls for a pause in development, experts at MLconf urged caution and accountability when deploying AI systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2023
5 best practices for a sustainable marketing strategy
Sustainable marketing can boost brand loyalty, but marketers need an effective strategy. Brands should commit to a larger purpose, take a long-term approach and remain consistent. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Mar 2023
microtrend
A microtrend is a tendency in the direction of some phenomenon that is fairly pervasive within a given sphere of influence and may only last for a few years, or even months. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Mar 2023
Collaboration tools help and hinder workplace accessibility
Cloud-based collaboration tools have improved workplace accessibility for people with disabilities. But IT leaders must examine where collaboration tools still fall short. Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2023
Proposed federal budget seeks CHIPS and Science Act funding
Emerging technology research, including in climate science and clean energy, tops Biden's tech investments in his proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2024. Continue Reading
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News
23 Feb 2023
Lawsuit alleges Workday's AI enables hiring bias
An older Black man with a disability is accusing Workday's technology of hindering his pursuit for employment, claiming its AI is biased. Workday says the lawsuit has no merit. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Feb 2023
Federal report focuses on AI diversity and ethics
A national group formed to advance the research and development of AI in the U.S. proposes ways to add more variety among students, educators and researchers studying AI. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2023
EEOC hearing on AI bias criticized as one-sided
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission held a hearing this week to examine how AI bias can hurt job seekers. But the panel's composition was accused of being unbalanced. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2023
NYC's controversial AI bias audit law gets new hearing
New York City's new automated employment decision tool law, designed to root out AI bias in hiring, is having trouble getting off the ground. Continue Reading
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News
09 Dec 2022
Diversity within your AI team can reduce bias
The CEO of the Women Leaders in Data and AI group discusses why including women and other underrepresented groups on AI teams can help to address the problem of AI bias. Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2022
DEI policies and politics divide workplace
In today's workplace, many employees avoid co-workers they don't agree with politically, and also work to resist business efforts to deploy DEI policies. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Oct 2022
9 workplace diversity books to read in 2022
Learn to create and foster an inclusive culture for innovation and a sense of belonging for all employees. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Oct 2022
6 reasons why diversity in STEM is important
Diversity in STEM industries brings together different perspectives, creates a better experience and generates better results. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Oct 2022
How to start an inclusive mentoring program
An inclusive mentoring program can improve an employee's sense of belonging and create new relationships between workers. Learn how to start one and mistakes to avoid. Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2022
DEI firm that connects job seekers with employers gets $30M
A startup's diversity, equity and inclusion platform raised millions in its latest funding round as employers start turning to third-party systems for help. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Oct 2022
The long-term answer to fixing bias in AI systems
The technology is exploding with new developments daily. However, problems with training data can lead to bias. Fixing it requires retraining the data and educating users. Continue Reading