Etsy have released their latest diversity metrics and progress towards long-term goals. It shows how they are weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into every facet of their entire business.
Strong diversity in Etsy’s marketing
As a marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers, Etsy says that having an impact beyond their (virtual!) walls is important.
In Q4 of 2020 59% of the images developed or used by Etsy that included a human element featured black or brown skin tones. According to Etsy this statistic demonstrates the transparency and high standard of accountability that shape their diversity & inclusion commitments.
Etsy have also partnered with sellers to create a Black-owned Business Etsy Team — giving sellers a community where they can opt-in and support one another. With over 2,400 members, it is in the top 1% of active Etsy Teams.
Workforce diversity
Fostering diversity within the workforce is fundamental to Etsy’s mission. In early 2019, they set an ambitious goal to approximately double the percentage of Black and Latinx employees in Etsy’s workforce by 2023. In one year, they doubled the number of Black and Latinx hires and in 2020 Black, LatinX, and Native American employees made up 20% of new hires in the US.
As a result, Black, Latinx, and Native American people now comprise 12.2% of Etsy’s workforce (up from 8.6% in 2018 and 10.5% in 2019). In addition, employees from these underrepresented groups now comprise 8.7% of their Leadership-level workforce (up from 3.4% in 2018 and 4.5% in 2019).
2021 the year of equity
Etsy recognises the work still needing to be done and are making sure in 2021 ‘equity’ has the same weight as their diversity and inclusion efforts. Their “Diversity & Inclusion” program has been upgraded to “Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.” and will help ensure processes such as hiring, leveling, pay, performance, and promotion decisions are designed fairly and rigorously audited.
