SEMI Unveils Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Roadmap, Toolkit and Event Guidelines

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SEMI, the trade association representing the global electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, unveiled a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Roadmap and Toolkit to help its more than 2,400 members transform the way they hire and retain employees and build a more diverse workforce. Studies show that diverse organizations increase their business performance, improve innovation, retain more talent, and are more likely to succeed in new markets.

“A diverse workforce is critical to the microelectronics industry’s continued health and prosperity – and to addressing the growing talent gap it faces,” said Ajit Manocha, SEMI president and CEO. “SEMI and our member companies embrace the responsibility to advance socially conscious practices in the industry. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives are designed to help improve hiring and retention policies and practices as well as to address unconscious bias against underrepresented groups in the industry to maximize their considerable skills.”

The SEMI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Roadmap and Toolkit includes the following:

• Steps for transforming both human resources and global staff perceptions and behavior
• Assessments for evaluating a company’s current policies and how to identify and cultivate more diverse talent pools
• Guidelines for interviewing candidates and implementing inclusive hiring practices
• Tips for managing unconscious bias and creating an inclusive culture
• Employee resource group strategies
• Insights on improving workplace flexibility and developing leaders with diverse backgrounds
• Factors to consider in planning company-sponsored events

“SEMI provides many opportunities for people to connect at events around the world,” said Michelle Williams-Vaden, deputy director of the SEMI Foundation and primary author of the documents and director of DEI programs at SEMI. “We invite all our member companies when preparing any event – from a staff meeting to a user conference – to consider the SEMI event guidelines for DEI. A diverse community of experts represented at events can start to break through unconscious bias. We encourage event planners to be a part of the workforce solution.”

On August 26, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. PDT, the SEMI Foundation will provide more details on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Roadmap and Toolkit during a webinar. Registration for the event is open.

“The goal of the SEMI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Roadmap and Toolkit is to help both experienced and new human resources managers review their practices and determine how to improve their processes,” said Williams-Vaden said. “The guidelines and tips are geared toward all SEMI member companies, though the resource-constrained small and midsized companies that account for 85% of SEMI members should find them particularly helpful in implementing programs targeted to finding talent in underrepresented groups while strengthening their recruitment, hiring and retention practices.”

“The Diversity, Equity and Roadmap and Toolkit will help expand the pool of workers for SEMI members,” said Shari Liss, executive director of the SEMI Foundation. “Equal opportunity is the bedrock of all SEMI Foundation programs. We continue to nurture talent and build awareness of the microelectronics industry as a career destination at all levels – from grade school and post-secondary education to veterans and people returning to the workforce.”