Sullivan’s Post

The death knell of DEI program? 🤔 Walmart, world’s biggest retailer and the US’s largest employer is rolling back its DEI efforts, joining the ranks of a growing list of MNCs that have done the same. This is probably the most fatal blow to DEI as Walmart has been see as a leader and benchmark that’s been lighting the way for many corporate DEI initiatives. There seems to be a trend of MNCs disinvesting in DEI after realizing it’s a waste of time and resources. Instead of promoting diversity and equity, the program oftens exacerbates social division. I reckon it is counterproductive when the starting points of many business decisions are race and color, and it certainly doesn’t help when we are reminded daily by these DEI programs of our differences instead of our similarities and common humanity. Are you or your company still investing in DEI program? What do you make of the DEI situation now? #DEI #Walmart #Diversity #Equity #Singapore #Recruitment

This semester, I have taken a UF College of Journalism and Communications course called Diverse Voices. This course seeks to teach students the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion. Professor Hankerson-Printemps also highlighted that current DEI initiatives and implementations are threatened, especially in Florida. One important learning from the book Diverse Voices: Profiles in Leadership, edited by Shelley and Barry Spector, is insight into the challenges and opportunities of advancing diversity within corporate environments. Sheryl Battles emphasizes the importance of authentic leadership and the need for organizations to integrate diversity and inclusion into their core strategies. Battles advocates for creating spaces where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but actively sought, highlighting that such inclusivity drives innovation and business. An article outlining the importance of DEI is "DEI: What it is & how to champion it in the workplace." The article "Walmart Rolls Back DEI Programs" explains how huge retailer Walmart is scaling back DEI initiatives and implementation, which many other companies have been doing as well. This is harmful in numerous ways and directly impacts employees and company culture alike. Article links: https://lnkd.in/eRhJggin https://lnkd.in/empxh6QR #DiverseVoices

I had two immediate reactions to Walmart publicly backing away from their DEI commitments this week (with nearly the same fervor with which they started promoting them four years ago): 1. While inarguably part of a trend, Walmart as "Fortune 1" has an outsized impact when it moves, given its 2mm+ employee population and its reach as a buyer and everyday supplier to hundreds of millions more. A few years ago, I wrote a LinkedIn article about how 'Embracing 'why?' is key to D&I' (link in comments), the point being that vibes and moralizing aren't enough to drive sustained behavior change - you must have a meaningful, clear business reason. Well, for better or worse, Walmart's business was a pretty big reason for tens of thousands of suppliers who have been complying with their supplier diversity terms... and they appear to be no longer. Others in the retail sector and beyond looked to Walmart as a bellwether, and the tone from them has decidedly shifted. I worry about the implications for the career opportunities for many underrepresented and systemically disadvantaged and excluded people (which applies to every demographic, in some industry/functional context). 2. Seeking an inclusive work environment in which you'll have a fair opportunity to succeed and grow on the merits of your abilities and performance is fundamental to all, but its criticality sings out especially loudly to people that have commonly faced systemic exclusion. Those folks have shown patience, grace, and the willingness to be on the front lines in driving change given some commitment from senior leaders. But they're not naive or delusional, and when they hear (and see) the opposite from senior leaders, they won't stick around for a futile cause. Those organizations proactively signaling that they've abandoned the effort to create fairer and more inclusive work environments need to realize they're immediately putting some of their most talented employees in play. Existential concern is indeed a powerful motivator to exit. And as a recruiting leader, I'm going to get a *lot* of satisfaction out of poaching a number of talented people from these organizations, helping them find a place where they can find value, belonging, and an opportunity to shine (link to open roles at TR in comments below)

Walmart’s Shift Away from DEI: Walmart has recently announced significant changes to its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. The company will no longer consider race or gender in hiring decisions, supplier selection, or other operations. This shift mirrors a broader trend among organizations like Ford, Harley-Davidson, and Lowe’s, driven by debates around the relevance and effectiveness of DEI policies. While it’s true that DEI policies can sometimes feel overwhelming, I believe they play a crucial role in building a diverse and motivated workforce. That said, there’s room for improvement. Instead of abandoning DEI altogether, organizations could: 1. Focus on measurable outcomes: Shift from broad initiatives to actionable steps, like mentoring programs for underrepresented groups. 2. Promote inclusivity without overcomplication: Simplify messaging and tailor DEI programs to fit organizational needs. In my view, DEI policies, when implemented thoughtfully, make workplaces more welcoming and empower diverse talent to thrive. Organizations should adapt policies to address challenges while ensuring they benefit both employees and business outcomes. #DiversityAndInclusion #WorkplaceInnovation #LeadershipInsights #HRStrategies #DubaiTrends #OrganizationalCulture #LinkedInCommunity #WorkplaceGrowth #BusinessSuccess

**Navigating the Challenges of DEI in Corporate America** In a pivotal move, Walmart has decided to scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs amid significant pressure from right-wing groups. As the largest private employer in the U.S., Walmart's shift reflects a growing trend among corporations feeling caught between fulfilling commitments to DEI and responding to external conservative pushback. This decision has sparked a nationwide conversation on the sustainability and necessity of DEI initiatives in enhancing workplace culture and equality. The rollback raises questions about the future of corporate responsibility and the impact such decisions have on organizational values and employee morale. Walmart’s revised approach may force other businesses to rethink their strategies and address the underlying tensions between social responsibility and political pressures. The challenge lies in balancing these competing interests while maintaining a commitment to creating inclusive work environments. How do we create workplaces that can withstand external political pressures and stay true to their DEI commitments? Your thoughts on this issue would add valuable perspectives to the ongoing dialogue. #DiversityAndInclusion #CorporateResponsibility #LeadershipChallenges #WorkplaceEquity #BusinessEthics #OrganizationalCulture

What I love most about Sapia.ai having a growing presence in the UK market ?? EVERY person and organistion we speak to cares deeply and genuinely about EDI Especially our #retail and #consumerbrand customers - Holland & Barrett, JOE & THE JUICE, Dee Set: Complete Retail Solutions, Iceland Foods, BT Group Which is why we are pumped to be sponsoring the recognition of those individuals who share that commitment #respinsibleai IS the avenue to deliver fairness and opportunity at scale #EDI in action If you want the evidence .. Using #responsibleAi increases disability inclusion https://lnkd.in/g4QRGKCT https://lnkd.in/gv5MjCf8 Using #responsibleAI led to a 30% increase in female application rates for tech roles https://lnkd.in/ghRMBxHK https://lnkd.in/gz_h_Gxq #aiforgood Tea Colaianni

**Shift in DEI Strategies: What Does It Mean for the Future?** Recently, Walmart, the largest private employer in the U.S., announced a shift in its approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As a major player in the corporate world, Walmart's decisions often set industry trends, thus suggesting a potential ripple effect on DEI practices across other organizations. This brings up a crucial dialogue about the evolving landscape of corporate responsibility and the sustainability of DEI efforts. The pullback may reflect broader economic pressures or shifting strategic priorities, which many other companies might soon face or are already navigating. It's essential to explore how businesses can maintain their DEI commitments even amidst such adjustments. Companies must reflect on innovative ways to promote an inclusive workplace without compromising on their DEI goals, ensuring they continue to foster environments where diversity thrives. As we witness these shifts, it's imperative for leaders and employees alike to engage in open conversations about the direction DEI is headed. How can we collectively innovate and uphold the values of diversity and inclusion in our organizations? What strategies can businesses adopt to stay committed to DEI while adjusting to new economic realities? #DEIStrategy #CorporateResponsibility #InclusiveWorkplace #DiversityMatters #Leadership #BusinessInnovation

Fostering DEI: A Tale of Ralph Inspired by the movie "Wreck-It Ralph," one of LEAD Network members, Mondelez, launched a bottom-up initiative to promote DEI. Just like Ralph, who felt out of place and undervalued, many of us may have experienced similar feelings. But through understanding, empathy, and self-acceptance, Ralph learns to embrace his uniqueness. At Mondelez, employees are empowered to embrace their differences and feel valued. Through various tools and resources, including UNCONSCIOUS BIAS training, CULTURE OF BELONGING workshops, and a 10-day DEI challenge. ✨ How do you foster DEI in your organization? Share your experiences and best practices in the comments below. #DEI #DiversityEquityInclusion #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeExperience #Mondelez #LEADNetwork #LEADnetworkpolandchapter