Book an Appointment
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Is Not Dead
I don’t normally write posts about Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, but discussions over the last few months have made me feel I should address this important topic.
Despite recent controversies involving major corporations pulling back on their DEI efforts, DEI remain vital components of a thriving business environment. The importance of DEI extends beyond moral obligations. In many studies, it was shown that it has significant implications for company performance, innovation, employee satisfaction, and long-term success of a company.
For me, at least, DEI is as important as ever and should be viewed holistically within an organization, which requires the inclusion of the supply chain. Supplier Diversity & Inclusion (SD&I) efforts lead to the same results as DEI initiatives in the workplace. In addition to company performance, innovation, employee satisfaction, and long-term success, SD&I efforts also contribute to broader economic growth for all. DEI is not positive discrimination, in contrast, DEI initiatives aim to level the playing field without prioritizing one group over another based solely on identity.
I believe companies that neglect their commitment to DEI initiatives will face long-term impact. An example, a Human Rights Campaign survey of LGBTQ+ adults found that nearly 1 in 5 respondents would either quit or start looking for a new job if their employer scaled back DEI, while 72% said they would feel less included or accepted at work. With around 7.6 percent of adults in the United States stated that they identify as LGBT in 2023, this would have a significant impact on bussiness.
What do you think about reducing DEI efforts in a company?
Sources:
https://www.scmr.com/article/dei-remains-a-force-in-business-success
https://www.charthop.com/resources/diversity-equity-inclusion-belonging-important-in-the-workplace
https://hbr.org/2020/11/getting-serious-about-diversity-enough-already-with-the-business-case
https://www.statista.com/topics/10961/lgbtq-in-the-us/#topicOverview
https://hbr.org/2024/09/how-dei-can-survive-this-era-of-backlash?ab=HP-hero-latest-image-1
