We are an international company with employees from diverse backgrounds. We believe more perspectives improve our engagement with our global community. We therefore aim to create an environment of respect and empathy.

Diversity includes differences in race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, geographic location, abilities, and more. We welcome these differences and work to increase the visibility and participation of underrepresented groups.

In 2014, we began company discussions about diversity. Since 2016, we’ve shared our DEI efforts publicly to attract like-minded talent. We’ve established a DEI committee with Employee Resource Groups and created this guiding statement:

“I will strive to create inclusive spaces along my journey and intentionally seek out different perspectives.”

We’ve supported organizations like TechWomen, Mother Coders (now Bitwise Impact), and Outreachy, and celebrate those who use our software to amplify underheard voices.

Our guidelines

Consistent with our Open Source ethos, here are seven invitations to all Automatticians:

1. Share your perspective

Your unique viewpoint strengthens us. Honest sharing encourages others to do the same, creating a place where perspectives build on each other. Beyond that, share your story outside of Automattic and inspire others to apply to join the fun here.

2. Educate yourself about diversity

Never stop learning through resources like the Geek Feminism Wiki, research papers, and media exploring diversity topics. Here are a few examples to explore:

• • Listen to the NPR episode titled Defining Diversity: Beyond Race And Gender.
  • Learn about the Web Accessibility Initiative and how to make our product more accessible.
  • Find out more about obstacles and solutions for under-represented minorities in technology.
  • Read about how minorities have degrees, but don’t get hired.
  • Check out an article on the brutal ageism of tech.
  • Watch the online series Ask an Autistic.
  • Visit artist Helena Price’s photo project Techies focused on sharing stories of tech employees.
  • Subscribe to Accessibility Weekly.

3. Challenge your own thoughts

Acknowledge our different backgrounds and biases, and continuously question our approaches.

4. Ask for feedback

Improve through questions like “How can I help make Automattic more welcoming?” and by using appropriate, inclusive language. Whether it’s using the right pronouns, the right name, the phrase “partner” instead of “husband” or “wife,” or making sure to employ the correct terms when referring to a disability, acceptance starts with appropriate language.

5. Join one of our online communities available to Automatticians

Our diverse workforce has created spaces for women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, expectant parents, the neurodivergent, folks coping with mental health issues, those with physical or cognitive disabilities, and more. Several such spaces have become official Automattician Resource Groups.

6. Help make our products localized and accessible

We build products for diverse audiences by ensuring:

• • Multiple language support.
  • Accessibility across bandwidths and devices.
  • Consideration for various abilities.
  • Affordability.
  • User involvement in our process.

7. Remember that great ideas can come from anywhere

Stay open-minded to powerful ideas from unexpected sources.

Examples of diversity considerations

Holidays & Observances With thousands of religions worldwide, be mindful when planning events to avoid conflicts with teammates’ observances.

LGBTQIA+ When planning meetups, consider that some locations may be uncomfortable or dangerous for LGBTQIA+ teammates.

Language Differences As an international company, we avoid slang and idioms that may confuse, offer clarification when needed, and always assume good intentions.

We embody intellectual and international diversity with team members from over 90 countries, yet recognize that we have more work to do. We invite you to join our journey toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion.