Tesla released its diversity numbers and, well, what did you expect?

We've seen worse. We have also seen better.
 By 
Alexis Nedd
 on 
Tesla released its diversity numbers and, well, what did you expect?
Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks during the unveiling of the new Tesla Model Y in Hawthorne, California on March 14, 2019. Credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP via Getty Images

For the first time in the company's 17 year history, Tesla has publicly released statistics on the gender and racial makeup of its almost 50,000 employees.

As reported by CNBC, Tesla's leadership is comprised of 59 percent white people and 83 percent males.

Further statistics show that women of all races make up 20 percent of the non-leadership workforce. Black people are 10 percent of that workforce, Asian employees comprise 21 percent, and Hispanic or Latinos are 22 percent.


You May Also Like

A further 7 percent of the workforce was counted as "Additional groups," which include Pacific Islanders and Native Americans. The CNBC summary also noted that the company "did not include figures on nonbinary and gender nonconforming employees."

The homogeneity of Tesla's workforce isn't terribly surprising. A leaked handbook for Tesla employees that surfaced earlier in 2020 was big on encouraging people to invest in the company's success regardless of their actual job role, but did little to lay out how major workplace concerns like sexual harassment, racism, diversity, and inclusivity are handled.

Tesla's report on its diversity numbers included a statement which detailed future plans to recruit new talent at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and also promised to invest in bias training for all hiring staff. It's a start.

UPDATE: Dec. 8, 2020, 11:41 a.m. PST Here's the full report showing Tesla's first diversity, equity, and inclusion figures.

Topics Tesla

Mashable Image
Alexis Nedd

Alexis Nedd is a senior entertainment reporter at Mashable. A self-named "fanthropologist," she's a fantasy, sci-fi, and superhero nerd with a penchant for pop cultural analysis. Her work has previously appeared in BuzzFeed, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Esquire.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
End of an era: Tesla discontinues Model S and Model X
Tesla Model X and S

Elon Musk: Tesla FSD will soon become subscription-only
Inside a Tesla, a driver uses Full Self Driving.

Tesla driver’s chilling 911 call transcript: ‘It’s on fire. Help please.’
Tesla dealership photograped from the outside

Everything to expect at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: New phones, more AI features
An attendee takes a photo during Galaxy Unpacked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard

MWC 2026: What to expect at the world's largest phone show
Mobile World Congress

More in Tech
How to watch Chelsea vs. Port Vale online for free
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts

How to watch 'Wuthering Heights' at home: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi's controversial romance now streaming
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi embracing in still from "Wuthering Heights"

How to watch New York Islanders vs. Philadelphia Flyers online for free
Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders warms up

How to watch Mexico vs. Belgium online for free
Israel Reyes of Mexico reacts

How to watch Brazil vs. Croatia online for free
Vinicius Junior #10 of Brazil leaves

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

The Earth is glowing in new Artemis II pictures of home
One half of the Earth is seen floating in space through the open door of the Orion spacecraft.


What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!