Target has announced plans to increase representation of Black team members across the company by 20% over the next three years. The retailer said it is creating new programmes to advance and retain Black employees by sharpening its focus on advancement, retention and hiring.
As part of its longstanding commitment to creating a culture that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, Target released a detailed racial and gender breakdown of its team across all levels of the organisation. “Inclusivity is a deeply rooted value at Target and we’ve had an ambitious diversity and inclusion strategy for many years for our guests and team. 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,” stated Melissa Kremer, Target’s Chief Human Resources Officer.
“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,” she added.
DIVERSITY STATISTICS
Based on 2019 information, Target’s Workforce Diversity Report reveals that its 350,000-strong workforce comprises 50% people of colour and more than half (58%) are women. Nearly half (42%) of its leadership team is also comprised of women and nearly a quarter (24%) are people of colour. Additionally, the retailer has doubled the representation of company officers of colour in the past five years. A third of its Board of Directors are women and nearly half are Latinx or Black, confirmed Target. The company also operates stores “that reflect the diversity of its guests”. More than half of its stores are run by female leaders and a third are managed by leaders of colour, it added.
The retailer has had diversity and inclusion (D&I) goals for many years to drive equity for all team members. However, its report revealed that that more work is needed to increase representation and advancement opportunities and reduce turnover particularly for Black team members. So it will be making systemic changes to increase representation, retention and advancement of Black Team members.
SYSTEMATIC CHANGES
Target aims to increase its representation of Black team members across the company by 20% over the next three years through the following changes:
- Leveraging its stores, supply chain and HQ experiences to provide broader leadership pathways for Black team members to develop and advance.
- Developing programmes to hire and retain Black team members in career areas with low levels of representation, including technology, data sciences, merchandising and marketing.
- Increasing Target’s network of mentors and sponsors to help Black team members accelerate and advance their careers.
- Ensuring Target’s benefits and partnerships drive wellness and safety for Black team members.
- Conducting anti-racist training for leaders and team members that educate, build inclusion acumen, and foster a sense of belonging.
MEANINGFUL D&I IMPACT
“The changes we’re making are going to have a meaningful impact on the careers of our Black team members and prospective team members,” commented Kiera Fernandez, Target’s Vice President, Human Resources and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. “A diverse and inclusive team at Target is one where there’s equity in how we promote, retain and hire team members. Additional leadership development, training programs and mentorship for our Black team members, along with a focus in areas of the business where our Black representation is not as strong, will offer new career development opportunities for our team for years to come. And we know the support we have for our team helps extend our reach outside our walls, creating a ripple effect that impacts our guests and communities.”
Target’s announcement is a part of the retailer’s commitment to social justice and racial equity and is being launched by the Company’s Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) committee. This group of senior leaders from across Target represents a diverse range of perspectives and expertise and guides the retailer’s efforts to engage in the fight to end systemic racism in the United States.
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