April Kelsey’s Post

They are not the first and won't be the last, but what message do their actions send? Microsoft has laid off its DEI team as it is no longer "business critical." At the same time, they claim, "Our D&I commitments remain unchanged"—let that sink in. Without fully achieving and sustaining equity and equality in tech, DEI efforts are indeed business-critical. Commitment alone isn't enough to drive change; consistent action is what makes a real difference. While laying off the DEI team or halting initiatives might offer short-term financial relief, companies prioritizing their culture and employees as essential will thrive in the long run. It's crucial to recognize that fostering an inclusive environment isn't just a commitment—it's a continuous journey that benefits everyone. Source:

🚨 Microsoft lays off a DEI team. 1. Microsoft Dismantles DEI Team: Microsoft laid off its internal DEI team, citing "changing business needs." 🏢❌ 2. Backlash and Concerns: The move sparked internal criticism, with concerns that DEI initiatives are no longer a priority. 💬⚠️ 3. Industry-Wide Trend: Zoom, Google, and Meta have also scaled back DEI programs recently. 🌐🔄 4. Microsoft's Response: Despite layoffs, Microsoft claims its "D&I commitments remain unchanged," but the concrete steps are unclear. 🗣️❓ 🔗 #DEI #Microsoft #Diversity #Inclusion #TechIndustry #BusinessNews

🚨 An iDEIntity DEI News Update 🚨 Microsoft Lays Off DEI Team, Sparking Debate on DEI's Future in Corporate America Recent news of Microsoft's decision to lay off its DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) team has sent ripples through the corporate world. An internal email from the team's lead expressing that DEI is "no longer business critical" has further fueled discussions about the evolving role of DEI initiatives. This move by Microsoft has raised questions about the prioritization of DEI efforts amid changing economic landscapes and shifting business priorities. While some argue that DEI remains essential for fostering inclusive workplaces, others suggest that the focus on DEI may be waning in certain organizations. The situation at Microsoft highlights the complexities surrounding DEI and its integration into core business strategies. It prompts a broader conversation about how companies can effectively balance DEI goals with other business objectives. As the dialogue continues, it's crucial to recognize the ongoing importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in creating workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered. Any thoughts? Would love to hear them in the comments below ⬇ #DEI #diversity #equity #inclusion #Microsoft #corporateAmerica #leadership #business #workplace https://lnkd.in/dQKCHsJ5

I didn’t know a lot about Satya Nadella’s leadership and the incredible impact he’s had at Microsoft until I studied him in one of my MBA classes on leadership in the 21st century. After that class, I couldn’t help but continue learning more about him as I was in awe of some of the changes he had made at Microsoft to shift internal culture. Under his guidance, the company has seen tremendous growth and innovation. His ability to navigate Microsoft through various challenges has been nothing short of inspiring. Back in 2020, after the death of George Floyd, we saw a surge in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across many industries, especially in tech. Companies, including Microsoft, made strong commitments to address systemic inequalities and build more inclusive workplaces. These promises were a response to a larger societal call for justice and equity, aiming to create lasting change. Recently, news broke about Microsoft laying off its DEI team, sparking a lot of conversations. Is this a bold move towards integrating DEI more deeply across all teams, or does it raise concerns about the future of these efforts?

Organizations rolling back their DEI work do so at their peril. And Microsoft is the latest company to make a choice that will hurt its employees and bottom line. As a DEI leader from Microsoft shared, Microsoft believes there's no longer a business case for DEI work. https://lnkd.in/ggHZ34kH 👎🏾 This is a mistake. The labor market is a diverse one. Research also shows that diverse teams with equitable and inclusive practices outperform teams that lack diversity and these practices every day of the week. https://lnkd.in/gw8Gw-P2  So companies that want better performance and for their teams to be able to thrive will continue to do the transformational change work focused on making their diverse teams more equitable and inclusive. Now’s not the time to give up on the work. Are you staying the course with your DEI work? Why or why not? I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below! Want to stay the course with your DEI work by creating liberatory cultures that unify your team and help you do great, mission-focused work together? DM me and we can set up a chat to see if I can help! #DiversityEquityInclusion

In challenging times, our values define us more than our successes. Microsoft's recent layoffs in their DEI team have sparked significant conversation. A DEI leader, in an email to staff, expressed deep concern, stating that DEI is now deemed "no longer business critical. Reflecting on personal experiences in navigating corporate changes, this move by Microsoft raises questions about the long-term commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. As professionals striving for excellence, it's important to advocate for environments where diversity and inclusion remain at the forefront, even in tough times. Let's explore how we can support DEI initiatives in our own spheres, ensuring they remain integral to our business practices. Join the conversation: 🔹 How do you prioritize DEI in your work environment? 🔹 Have you faced similar challenges in maintaining inclusive practices? Let's discuss ways to champion diversity and inclusion together. Read more here: https://hubs.li/Q02JBCSv0 #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusiveWorkplace #DEI #CorporateValues #LeadershipMatters #SupportDEI #AdvocateForChange #InclusivePractices #ChampionDiversity

Our values define us more than our successes. Microsoft's recent layoffs in their DEI team have sparked significant conversation. A DEI leader, in an email to staff, expressed deep concern, stating that DEI is now deemed "no longer business critical. Reflecting on personal experiences in navigating corporate changes, this move by Microsoft raises questions about the long-term commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. As professionals striving for excellence, it's important to advocate for environments where diversity and inclusion remain at the forefront, even in tough times. Let's explore how we can support DEI initiatives in our own spheres, ensuring they remain integral to our business practices. Join the conversation: 🔹 How do you prioritize DEI in your work environment? 🔹 Have you faced similar challenges in maintaining inclusive practices? Read more here: https://hubs.li/Q02JBKwR0 #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusiveWorkplace #DEI #CorporateValues #LeadershipMatters #SupportDEI #AdvocateForChange #InclusivePractices #ChampionDiversity

Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and several other technology companies have laid off significant portions of their DEI teams. I need help understanding their reasoning. Initially, they adopted DEI strategies because they made money. DEI initiatives are good for the bottom line in all the cases I listed above. As a millennial, I was attracted to such programs because diversity is a core value I hold, but now that the market has shifted, DEI is being shoved out the door. Now, when they are cost-cutting, they are cutting DEI to "save" money. To my untrained and outsider eye - it seems like internal politics is forcing some folks out (women, diverse people) and then saying it saves money even though it doesn't. Regarding this article, I think that Microsoft desperately needs DEI initiatives; without them, it faces huge business and existential risks. When I worked there, it was noticeable how many older white men worked there compared to other technology companies. https://lnkd.in/gGFR44VT

I consider myself someone with a diverse background: born in Ukraine, grew up in Germany, being Jewish, and even more, being quite an observant Jew. Yet, I always thought and still think that these aspects are not relevant for hiring, not hiring, or any kind of promotions. Thus, I was never a fan of how DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) is implemented in many areas. While I stand behind the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, I do not support how they have been and still are misused. The recent news from Microsoft that their DEI team is not considered business critical and thus being laid off is telling. While I might agree that the initial hiring could have been a mistake (without having more detailed information), there's a significant issue missing in the value discussions: responsibility for the environment and for your employees. Mistakes are part of business, just like risks and opportunities. However, laying off the entire team, as in Microsoft's case, suggests that these employees didn’t have further potential valuable qualities and were hired initially not for business reasons. In these value-driven areas, I believe we need more responsibility and a stronger business focus from the outset rather than just going with the "flow." In my opinion, topics around diversity should not center on the diversity of one's background, which should be irrelevant, but rather on the diversity of mindset and perspectives and equal opportunities to find the best solutions for customers and the environment. #microsoft #DEI #values #diversity #responsibility

Microsoft has laid off its internal team dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) due to 'changing business needs' A broader question for all organisations is if your people are not a ‘business need’ then you are doing DEI wrong. Programmes, initiatives and policies that seek to curate a personalised experience for employees from ALL walks, spark curiosity in people to participate in the workplace, and extends inclusion for all to thrive in work, especially for those who need extra support. That’s what DEI is about…. And that is most definitely a need for any business. https://lnkd.in/eUNnFGZJ