Racial Equity at Spotify
Spotify is committed to ensuring Diversity and Belonging through multiple initiatives and programs, both internally and externally.
Below we have outlined the ways in which Spotify is supporting its Black employees and Black creators on and off platform furthering our mission of inclusivity.
In conjunction with various teams across Spotify including Global Affairs, Human Resources, Content and BLK@Spotify (the company’s space of empowerment for members of the Black community and their allies), we have implemented a comprehensive 5* Star strategy to advance Spotify’s racial equity and anti-racism efforts, both internally and on our platform. Spotify’s 5* Star Strategy will focus on the following areas of the organization.
Our strategy
People
Increase Black talent
Our current percentage of Black employees is 7.1% in the US, and our goal is to increase the total number of Black employees in the US to 14% by the end of 2023, with an emphasis on director level and above roles.
Retain and develop Black talent
Through the Black Employee Workforce and Advancement plan we will increase our efforts aimed at retaining our employees and providing them with the tools for growth to more senior level positions (i.e. Executive Coaching, Development Conference and more).
Growth of Diversity & Belonging team
We recently expanded the Diversity & Belonging team which will support and amplify our commitment to ensuring Spotify is an inclusive workplace and further our mission of supporting Black employees.
Expand talent pipeline programs
We have implemented strategic hiring initiatives that elevate Black professionals and emerging talent, and are working to create or expand programs, including Aspiring Marketing Professionals (AMP), The Opening Act, Engineering rotational Program, Sound up Program, and HBCU scholarships.
Donations & fundraising
Employee match
Spotify is matching up to $10 million in financial donations made by employees to organizations focused on accelerating meaningful change in the fight against racism, injustice, and inequity. To date, Spotify has matched employee donations to over 300 organizations including Black Lives Matter, ACLU, NAACP, Color of Change and more.
Artist fundraising efforts
Supporting artists through concert streams/ virtual benefits, charity music releases and more - through Fans First and on platform messages.
Pro bono ads
Spotify has provided pro bono advertising inventory and $1M in ad credit to support organizations and artists fighting racism, injustice and inequality.
Policy
Commitment to pay equity
Continuing to analyze any pay gaps for Black employees at Spotify with a commitment to adjusting compensation levels, if necessary.
Social justice reform
Actively monitoring legislative reform in all 50 states as well as at the local/city level and seeking opportunities to advocate for legislative changes that address systematic racism, injustice and inequality post 2020 election. To date we have supported efforts in California, New York state, in Congress and led the push for our trade association, the Internet Association, to release a racial justice and reform proposal and reaffirm their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Spotify is sponsoring a legislative tracker that will monitor this legislative reform in all 50 states as well as at the city level post 2020 election.
Content
Black History is Now
Launched in 2018, Black History Is Now is Spotify’s signature content offering to celebrate Black artists and culture through initiatives on and off the platform, focusing on the cultural impact that people of color have always played— through the lens of music. With the expansion of Black History is Now, Spotify will provide dedicated resources - budget, headcount, exposure and more to create an always on content offering for Black History is Now.
Content Plan + Always On Strategy
As the world’s largest audio streaming platform, Spotify has a unique opportunity to connect Black artists and creators to more fans around the world. To further amplify the voices of the Black creator community, we are investing our resources in creating an always-on new umbrella brand that will highlight artists and podcastors. Additionally, we will continue to increase the support - both on and off platform - for Black creative talent (i.e. Jemele Hill, Burna Boy, Mickey Guyton and more).
Culture
Our values
We are committed to driving accountability and behavioral change throughout the organization as part of our Diversity & Belonging mission: to unlock the potential of human creativity by accelerating a diverse culture where everyone belongs.
Speaker series
Quarterly speaking series and “Ted-style” talks from external practitioners to inform and educate. Past conversations have included Lovette Jallow, Erika Alexander and Ben Arnon, founders of Color Farm Media and producers of the John Lewis: Good Trouble documentary.
Employee training
Training modules offered by our Diversity & Belonging Team that focus on timely issues like inclusivity and allyship, both of which are critical elements of the development process.
Employee resource groups
Ongoing support for Spotify’s strong collective of Employee Resource Groups that advocate for and influence change across the organization.
Civic engagement
In 2020, we made Juneteenth a permanent company holiday for all U.S employees and encouraged all employees to observe Black Out Tuesday as a time to reflect and educate themselves. We also encourage our employees to get involved with organizations around the world - whether that’s through hands-on, volunteer work or employee donations.
