Microsoft lays off its DEI team
Microsoft laid off its entire DEI team, sparking internal backlash for deeming diversity initiatives non-business-critical. Despite claims of unchanged commitments, leaked emails suggest a shift away from DEI programs.
Read original article
Microsoft has laid off its entire diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) team, with the team's leader criticizing the company for deeming diversity initiatives as no longer business-critical. The move sparked internal backlash, as the company's actions were seen as walking back on commitments made after the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. Despite Microsoft's statement that its D&I commitments remain unchanged, leaked emails suggest a shift away from DEI programs. The company had previously invested $150 million in DEI efforts and mandated racial allyship training for non-Black employees. The layoffs come amidst routine end-of-fiscal-year staff reductions at Microsoft, following a trend in the tech industry where companies like Meta and Twitter have also implemented significant job cuts to streamline operations. Microsoft's decision to let go of its DEI team raises questions about its commitment to diversity and inclusion, especially regarding its pledge to increase the number of Black leaders within the company by 2025.
Related
Tech layoffs: 98,000 impacted as Apple, Google, others continue job cuts
The tech industry faces widespread layoffs affecting 98,000 employees globally in 2024. Major companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Meta are among the 333 firms implementing job cuts due to economic uncertainties and restructuring efforts.
Microsoft lays off employees in new round of cuts
Microsoft conducted layoffs impacting various teams globally, focusing on product and program management. The exact number of affected employees was undisclosed. These actions align with strategic growth priorities amid recent job cuts.
Microsoft lays off employees in new round of cuts
Microsoft conducts layoffs affecting product and program management roles without disclosing the exact number impacted. This aligns with previous job cuts, part of ongoing restructuring efforts for future growth and customer support.
Corporate HR is taking "Equity" out of DEI
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) replaced "equity" with "I&D" in its DEI strategy, sparking controversy. Critics fear a retreat from DEI efforts, while SHRM emphasizes prioritizing inclusion. Companies like CNN and Tractor Supply are reevaluating their DEI initiatives. Experts stress equity's importance for equal workplace opportunities amid concerns that SHRM's shift may encourage DEI elimination. This reflects a trend of companies reassessing DEI strategies.
Microsoft DEI Lead Blasts Company in Internal Email After Team Is Laid Off
A Microsoft DEI team leader accused executive leadership of discrimination and toxicity after layoffs. Concerns raised about DEI program importance and future amid company's silence. Layoffs raise questions on sustainability of DEI initiatives.
3 commentsDitto for AI ethics.
I suppose one of the lessons is think very carefully before getting heavily involved in company initiatives that have the appearance of doing the the right thing from an external perspective but don't have clearly actionable results or contribute to the bottom line.
Related
Tech layoffs: 98,000 impacted as Apple, Google, others continue job cuts
The tech industry faces widespread layoffs affecting 98,000 employees globally in 2024. Major companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Meta are among the 333 firms implementing job cuts due to economic uncertainties and restructuring efforts.
Microsoft lays off employees in new round of cuts
Microsoft conducted layoffs impacting various teams globally, focusing on product and program management. The exact number of affected employees was undisclosed. These actions align with strategic growth priorities amid recent job cuts.
Microsoft lays off employees in new round of cuts
Microsoft conducts layoffs affecting product and program management roles without disclosing the exact number impacted. This aligns with previous job cuts, part of ongoing restructuring efforts for future growth and customer support.
Corporate HR is taking "Equity" out of DEI
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) replaced "equity" with "I&D" in its DEI strategy, sparking controversy. Critics fear a retreat from DEI efforts, while SHRM emphasizes prioritizing inclusion. Companies like CNN and Tractor Supply are reevaluating their DEI initiatives. Experts stress equity's importance for equal workplace opportunities amid concerns that SHRM's shift may encourage DEI elimination. This reflects a trend of companies reassessing DEI strategies.
Microsoft DEI Lead Blasts Company in Internal Email After Team Is Laid Off
A Microsoft DEI team leader accused executive leadership of discrimination and toxicity after layoffs. Concerns raised about DEI program importance and future amid company's silence. Layoffs raise questions on sustainability of DEI initiatives.