Following the 2020 murder of George Floyd, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives gained significant traction in the corporate world. These initiatives have been crucial in fostering a more inclusive workplace environment and addressing systemic inequalities. However, the current economic landscape has led to budget constraints and cutbacks that threaten the progress made in this realm. Faced with an uncertain economy, companies have already been laying off large numbers of people, including many only recently hired to implement their DEI strategies. According to a study by Revelio Labs, one in three DEI professionals lost their roles over a one-year period ending in December of 2022. Over that period, non-DEI workers experienced a relatively lower attrition rate of 21%.

As companies face tough decisions about resource allocation, it’s essential to examine the challenges and potential solutions for maintaining and advancing DEI initiatives.

The Importance of DEI Initiatives

DEI initiatives encompass a range of efforts aimed at ensuring fair representation, equal opportunity, and respect for all employees, regardless of their background. These initiatives go beyond compliance; they empower employees, boost morale, and enhance innovation by fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Research consistently shows that diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones, making DEI a critical driver of business success. Company success is inextricably tied to employee presence, engagement, and productivity, and DEI initiatives continue to aid in supporting employees’ well-being.

Challenges Amid Cutbacks

While the benefits of DEI initiatives are clear, economic downturns or budget constraints can lead to challenges that impede their progress, such as resource allocation (DEI initiatives are perceived as ‘non-essential’), loss of momentum (building an inclusive culture takes time and cutbacks can stall progress leading to disillusionment among employees), inequitable budget cutbacks that disproportionately affect marginalized employees and communities, and the hindrance of a company’s flow of fresh ideas from diverse teams.

Mitigating the Impact

Even before the economic and political pressures of this year, corporate diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have come under harsh criticism, including that they’re expensive, performative, even a source of division themselves.

Cutbacks don’t have to lead to the dismantling of DEI initiatives. Instead, companies can adopt strategies to navigate these challenges while maintaining their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Every organization has the same goals: to make and save money, and to achieve a vision. When DEI is tied to at least one of these goals, it becomes harder for them to come under the chopping block. The following strategies will help companies remain committed to and see the value in their DEI initiatives. 

• Strategic Approach: Prioritize DEI initiatives that have proven the most impact and align with the company’s core values. Focusing on key areas can help preserve progress even with limited resources.
• Leadership Commitment: Senior leadership’s continued commitment to DEI is vital. When leaders champion these initiatives, it reinforces their importance to the entire organization.
• Employee Involvement: Encourage employees to actively participate in DEI efforts, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility. This can help maintain momentum even when dedicated resources are constrained.
• Leverage Technology: Technology solutions and tools can streamline DEI efforts, making them more efficient and reducing the strain on resources.
• External Partnerships: Collaborate with external organizations, nonprofits, and experts in the DEI space. They can provide valuable insights, resources, and support, often at a fraction of the cost of building everything in-house.

The rapid organizational movement toward addressing inequalities was initially exciting for DEI professionals. But in just a couple of years, that excitement has wavered as growth rapidly fell apart. While economic challenges can put pressure on corporate DEI initiatives, they don’t have to result in irreversible setbacks. Maintaining a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is crucial for fostering a workplace that thrives on varied perspectives, respects every employee, and encourages innovation. Legal experts remain split on what’s ahead for these efforts, while longtime diversity advocates argue that companies should take these setbacks as an opportunity to reset.

By adopting a strategic approach, leveraging leadership commitment, and engaging employees, companies can weather the storm of cutbacks while continuing to progress on their DEI journey.