7.17.24
By Molly Wood, SPHR, MAOL Senior HR Consultant. 
Microsoft outraged, disappointed, or vindicated people’s convictions (depending on their mindset) when it was reported on July 16 that they eliminated their DEI team. Being such a powerhouse company in the U.S., and globally, the abandonment of the program is impactful for DEI initiatives throughout the business community. But did they make a mistake?
The World Economic Forum declared that DEI has become a moral, strategic, and economic imperative (World Economic Forum, 2020). Furthermore, the future workforce on Millennials and Gen Z value diversity and are disinclined to commit to a company that does not support DEI.
Microsoft reported that the team was eliminated due to “changing business needs”. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2045 non-Hispanic white people will no longer be the majority of the population. So, in 21 years diversity will be inevitable. How will employees feel if nothing is done to support inclusion in the meantime?
DEI programs are useless if they are simply done as “lip service”. Organizational leaders need to step back and take an unbiased look at their current demographics to determine if they are truly lacking in diversity. If they are, authentic action needs to be taken to ascertain the reason for the homogeny in the workplace and embrace differences.
The fact is that the workforce is made up of different people with various cultures, viewpoints, and values. The sooner that organizations can embrace this truth and take advantage of the benefits of diversity, the further ahead they will be in the game of talent acquisition and retention.
SDEA can help. We provide interactive DEI training and can work with you to develop a program that suits your business. We are not just here for you, we are HeRe with you. Call us at 858-505-0024 to continue the conversation.