PHILADELPHIA, PA — The City of Philadelphia, through its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI), recently published the 2023 Workforce Diversity Profile and Annual Report. The document provides an in-depth analysis of the city’s municipal full-time workforce demographics, highlighting significant progress and future strategies.
Mayor Jim Kenney emphasized the importance of a government workforce that mirrors the diversity of the city it serves. He stated, “The Annual Diversity Profile Report continues the City’s strategy of using data to inform our priorities which includes building a workforce that is reflective of Philadelphia communities.”
The report focuses on the exempt workforce under the purview of the executive branch, excluding independent offices and agencies. It delves into the racial, ethnic, and gender composition of the workforce, with a detailed examination of specific categories such as senior leadership, Cabinet members, and the executive exempt workforce.
Josie B.H. Pickens, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, expressed pride in the progress made since 2016. She highlighted the development of shared definitions and standards for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, increased collaboration between departments, improved communication with residents, and the establishment of mechanisms for measuring impact.
Key findings from the report indicate an increase in racial and ethnic diversity within the exempt workforce, rising from 50.3% at the start of the Kenney Administration to 55.96% in FY23. The executive exempt workforce also saw an increase in racial and ethnic diversity, growing from 39% in FY16 to 47.78% in FY23.
Among the key takeaways from the report are:
- Strategic Use of Data: The City remains committed to informed decision-making through the strategic use of data, enhancing transparency for the longevity of DEI initiatives.
- Focused Evaluation: The analysis provides an in-depth examination of the racial, ethnic, and gender composition of the exempt workforce under the executive branch’s purview.
- Ongoing Tracking: The launch of the workforce diversity dashboard in January 2023 provides a real-time measure of the City’s progress, underscoring commitment to continuous improvement and accountability.
- Future Focus: The report emphasizes the City’s ongoing efforts to cultivate an inclusive and equitable organizational culture, empowering employees and ensuring universal access to opportunities.
The report does not measure changes in workforce diversity that have occurred between June 30, 2023, and its publication date. However, it provides a comprehensive snapshot of the city’s DEI efforts and the progress made in creating a more diverse and inclusive municipal workforce.
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