To meet its goal of increasing diversity, Target is planning to boost the number of Black employees across the company by 20% over the next three years. The move is part of a “longstanding commitment to creating a culture that is diverse, equitable and inclusive,” according to a company statement.
“We know that having a diverse workforce and inclusive environment not only creates a stronger team, but also provides the perspectives we need to create the products, services, experiences and messages our guests expect,” said Melissa Kremer, Chief Human Resources Officer at Target in the statement. “The next step in this journey is being even more transparent with our progress by sharing a deeper look into the racial and gender diversity of our team, listening to our team’s feedback along the way and using this information to drive a number of new commitments for our team.”
In 2019, Target’s overall workforce was 50% people of color and 58% female, while its leadership was 24% people of color and 42% female. The retailer plans to focus on advancement, retention and hiring as it improves its diversity, including by:
- Leveraging store, supply chain and HQ experiences to provide broader leadership pathways for Black team members to develop and advance;
- Developing programs to hire and retain Black team members in career areas with low levels of representation, including technology, data sciences, merchandising and marketing;
- Increasing its network of mentors and sponsors to help Black team members accelerate and advance their careers;
- Ensuring its benefits and partnerships drive wellness and safety for Black team members; and
- Conducting anti-racist training for leaders and team members in order to educate, build inclusion acumen and foster a sense of belonging.
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