From Crisis to Commitment: The Evolving Landscape of DEI and How HR Leaders Are Adapting

Despite recent claims that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are “done and over,” the future of DEI remains promising even as it faces significant challenges.

While there are anti-DEI forces at play, those dedicated to ensuring inclusivity and diverse representation will not allow it to fade into obscurity.

Originating from the civil rights movement of the 1960s, DEI gained renewed corporate focus following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Major corporations committed substantial resources to support marginalized communities, but recent court rulings and allegations of reverse discrimination have put these efforts under intense scrutiny.

OneDigital Northeast HR Business Partner Thomasina Cole emphasizes that court cases and threats do not solve or eliminate injustices in the HR.com byline, “The Death Of DEI…Maybe Not!” She notes that companies truly committed to prioritize the intentionality of their DEI efforts rather than merely checking a box.  

“While DEI initiatives and companies that support them are currently under attack, the future of DEI is still bright. The DEI discipline was born out of controversy. Contrary to recent accounts, the DEI work was started well before 2020, with its origins being traced back to the civil rights movement of the 1960s. It is no secret that a commitment to DEI starts at the very top, and while DEI strategies might be transforming, its future remains bright, and human resources play a vital role. The secret sauce to the changing face of DEI is a Human Resources department that successfully blends the established corporate goals with policy, initiatives, and programs to create a culture of inclusion and belonging.”
 
— Thomasina Cole, Human Resources Business Partner

Click here to read the full article on HR.com.  

Interested in learning more about setting up an effective diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEI&B) strategy within your organization? Tune into this webinar for more: DEI&B In Action: Developing and Implementing your DEI&B Plan.