Although the work of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been around for years, in 2020, it became a household name and buzzword. In the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in 2020, many organizations issued statements lamenting his killing and pledged support. One estimate claimed that more than 1,100 organizations committed $200 billion to racial justice initiatives between June 2020 and May 2021. Forty-four of America's 50 largest public companies made public statements about those investments. If organizations didn't have a chief diversity officer, they quickly hired or promoted one.

Now, since the start of 2024, we have seen the tables turn on DEI efforts. With the elimination of affirmative action in college admissions processes, the increase in diverse discrimination lawsuits, and the ever-changing political climate, we see some companies going silent on their DEI efforts or abandoning them altogether. Research shows that most employees perceive DEI positively, even with the significant political divide. Additionally, candidates, especially Gen Z ones, indicate that workplace culture and an organization's commitment to DEI is a key decision factor for them.

Many organizations remain committed to working on their DEI initiatives. Research from the Human Resource Executive shows that seventy-five percent of respondents from larger organizations said their company has made progress on stated DEI goals in the past 18 months, versus only 9% who confessed they have not (the rest didn't have stated goals or didn't know).

While organizations are struggling to find a balance in addressing government and political affairs in the workplace when it comes to DEI, this is the time for leaders and allies of DEI work, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, to come together and take a stand to continue to move the work forward.

2024 is the year to show your employees your organization's commitment to continuing your DEI efforts. By 2030, the U.S. workforce will be majority non-white, and labor shortages will continue to magnify the need to engage women, LGBTQ+, and those with disabilities.

Please join us on a webinar with Dr. Tiffany Ingram, DEI Advisor at OurOffice, Inc., Ngozi G. Okeh, M.A, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NextRoll, Shawndia North, SHRM-CP, Director of Human Resources at Hamilton Anderson Associates and Liana Steir, Director of DEI and Employee Experience at Axios.

Executives and leaders, HR professionals and people managers across industries and organizations of any type and size will benefit from learning about the following at this webinar:

• An overview of the current trends and data around DEI efforts in organizations nationwide.
• Common challenges in implementing DEI initiatives and practical tips on how allies can support the work within organizations.
• Tips on self-care for DEI professionals and how to ride out the current trends.