2024: A Year of Debate (DEI)
Ready to dive into the biggest HR controversies of 2024? Our ‘Year of Debate’ series explores the key topics that ignited intense industry discussions. From Gen to AI and DEI, this series provides HR leaders with the information and insights they need to stay ahead of the curve.
2024 witnessed a concerning trend: pushback against DEI initiatives within organizations and across industries. While this presents a challenge, the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion remain crucial for a thriving workplace.
A recent Lattice survey revealed a decline in the prioritization of DEI programs, yet this doesn’t signify their irrelevance. Instead, it highlights the need for a shift in approach.
Antoine Andrews, Chief Diversity and Social Impact Officer at SurveyMonkey, emphasizes the power of storytelling. He suggests that reframing DEI initiatives, moving away from politically charged narratives and integrating them seamlessly into organizational culture, is key.
“Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, forward-thinking employers will champion the enduring importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that how these principles are positioned can be just as impactful as the programs themselves,” Andrews shared with HR Daily Advisor. “Organizations that embrace thoughtful, inclusive storytelling and embed DEI into their identity will be in the strongest position to attract top talent, drive innovation, and remain resilient in an ever-evolving workplace landscape.”
As 2025 quickly approaches, let’s take a look back at HRDA‘s best DEI content to help HR professionals prepare for the New Year.
HR Works Presents A Seat at the Table Podcast: No, DEI Is Not Dead
With recent setbacks and growing skepticism, many are wondering if the end of DEI as we know it is imminent. We’ve curated a powerful clip from HR Daily Advisor‘s webinar, “Is It the End of DEI as We Know It?” Listen in as our expert panelists discuss the decline in DEI efforts, their personal perspectives on the issue, the importance of curiosity in fostering meaningful dialogue, and more. Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation that explores the challenges and opportunities facing DEI in the workplace.
The Crumbling of DEI: What Does It Mean for the Future of Work?
The decision by large companies to scale back their DEI initiatives, driven by external pressure, has sent shockwaves through the corporate world. We’re witnessing a disturbing pattern of cuts to DEI teams and a decline in prioritization of these initiatives across various industries. What does this mean for the future of the workforce? How will the repercussions impact underrepresented groups and minorities already in the workplace? And how can HR teams and leaders effectively address these pressing concerns? In this Q&A, Sarah Reynolds, CMO of HiBob and a nonbinary C-suite leader, shares their valuable insights on the troubling backtracking of DEI initiatives.
The Rise of Pay Transparency: Navigating New Laws and Changing Workplace Norms
In American culture and social settings, it’s long been taboo to discuss one’s salary. Sharing that information around those who earn more can make the lower earner feel inferior. Sharing with those who earn less can feel like gloating. More broadly, most people feel it isn’t anyone else’s business how much they make. But things are different when it comes to the workplace.
After the surprise move that sent shockwaves through the HR industry when SHRM removed “equity” from its IE&D program, SHRM President Johnny C. Taylor Jr. cited people’s “confusion” around equity’s meaning as the reason for removing it, in a recent Forbes article. He insists the move wasn’t politically motivated and maintains it was made to streamline communication and avoid divisiveness. And he emphasized that SHRM is still prioritizing diversity and inclusion. But will a focus on civility pave the way for equitable progress?
Menopause as a Source of Premature Workplace Attrition
In a challenging labor market, retaining skilled employees is paramount for businesses aiming to maintain competitiveness and operational continuity. Employee turnover not only disrupts workflow but also incurs significant costs related to recruitment, training, and lost productivity. As such, understanding the diverse reasons behind employee departures is essential for developing effective retention strategies. While many employers might recognize cultural fit, relatable mentors and role models, and other factors as playing a role in retention, few think of menopause.
HR Works Presents Pages of HR: Reconstructing Inclusion
According to DEI strategist Amri B. Johnson, truly good people, who wholeheartedly support diversity, equity, and inclusion, don’t go far enough to show they care. He notes that, “real inclusion is rooted in what’s in our hearts, but it must live in our daily actions.” That good intentions aren’t enough, and while leaders can set the tone for everyone to follow, caring peer-to-peer interactions make the biggest positive impact. Listen in as we discuss his new book: Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable. Reconstructing Inclusion offers a guide to better understanding the historical context of inclusion, a rethinking of the efforts organizations are undertaking now, and an actionable, robust approach to carrying this work into the future.
HR Query: The Value of Recognition Equity
According to recent Achievers Workforce Institute (AWI) findings, more than eight in 10 HR leaders (84%) say diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a high priority for their organization. However, HR leaders are overlooking a key element of DEI – recognition equity. AWI’s new data found that recognition equity is a key driver of business results and tracking it allows HR leaders to understand who is seen and valued in their organizations. In this HR Query, Hannah Yardley, Chief People and Culture Officer at Achievers, shares insights about how often companies should recognize their employees, how employee recognition impacts employee retention, and more.
Mental Health in the Workplace
In recent years, mental health has become a central topic in workplace discussions, reflecting a broader shift toward well-being and employee support. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of mental health and are implementing innovative programs to help employees manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
HR Query: How AI is Revolutionizing Hiring for a Fairer Future
The quest for a truly diverse and inclusive workforce is a constant challenge in the ever-evolving hiring landscape. While some fear AI might exacerbate bias, innovative applications of this technology are actually paving the way for a more equitable future. In this HR Query, Dr. Lindsey Zuloaga, Chief Data Scientist at HireVue, delves into the potential of AI to create a level playing field for candidates.
Women’s Outsized “Emotional Work” Burden
While there is still plenty of work to be done, gender equality has made tremendous strides in the workplace in recent decades. Gone are the days when women were confined to clerical and administrative roles while completely absent from the C-suite and board of directors. Still, it has been difficult to stamp out every vestige of implicit gender discrimination in the office. While this can certainly be seen in lingering pay gaps, there are other, less obvious examples as well.
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