I've heard some people say that they are tired of DEI and even more make the statement that DEI efforts are dying at companies and organizations. Let me set the record straight.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts have NOT made a sharp decline.
Don't believe the hype that just because colleges and universities have pulled away from their DEI initiatives because they are afraid that they will lose funding, that the focus on diversity, equity and inclusion has declined overall.
Don't fall for the okie doke and shrink under the pressure of some naysayers and take the stance that the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) recently announced to remove the "E" for equity out of their DEI policy platform to "hyperfocus on the things that people understand."
What's so hard to understand?
As I watched the Olympics, I was struck by the diversity of the athletes. I read stories about the athletes and their teams, and was encouraged by the sense of inclusion. As I listened to interviews I heard how important gender equity is to showcase the best that each country has to offer in the various sporting events.
In fact, DEI is a part of the policies of the International Olympic Committee, who state "Our vision as an employer is to be inclusive, diverse and gender equal. At the IOC, we are driven by our vision of building a better world through sport. Gender equality, inclusion and diversity are integral components to fulfilling this vision because we know that we are strongest when we are together."
The 2023 Diversity Matters Report by McKinsey & Company backs up previous studies that companies who have a diverse leadership team outperform companies who lack diversity at leadership levels by 30%. They went a little deeper in the 2023 study and linked the success of the companies to the "holistic impact of diversity on communities, workforces, and the environment."
DEI is not about numbers, its about providing space and opportunities for everyone.
Over the years, there have been changes in the business sector, but people's desire to belong, to be heard, seen and understood remains strong. At some point, the hope is that we evolve to a point where DEI initiatives and teachings are no longer necessary, because there will be diversity at all levels, equity in pay regardless of gender and inclusion across the board, and workplaces will be be places where everyone has a sense of belonging. We are not there yet, so until then, stay the course.
If you want to connect with me on providing consultations, or speaking at your event reach out to me here on LinkedIn and check out my website: https://www.motivationalmuse.com/.
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