Does DEI need a rebrand in face of backlash, resistance?
This article is published in HCM Dialogue.
HCM Dialogue discusses U.S.-based Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)’s DEI Rebrand to “Inclusion & Diversity” in response to backlash, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, while experts like Julie Cafley (Catalyst Canada) and Lindsay Rainbow (Canadian Equality Consulting) highlight the ongoing necessity of DEI for workplace fairness and business success.
Lindsay Rainbow, a senior strategist and trainer with Canadian Equality Consulting, said the country, along with its workforce, is continuing to rapidly diversify.
“That’s the result of many things, but most of those factors are not within the control of employers, so it’s going to happen,” she said. “Equity work is essential to the survival of companies.”
That’s because it enables them to respond to the diversity in their workforce and ensure there are supports and systems for everyone to be successful, said Rainbow.
“If a company ignores DEI, they’re going to fall behind,” she said. “I think that many organizations are aware of that, and that is why we see such appetite and energy around this work. Organizations want to continue to learn and want to continue to do better by their employees and by their customers. And DEI is a part of that.”
Like Cafley, Rainbow said the work that is being done matters more than how it’s branded.
“Ultimately, if the program is focused on advancing human rights and equity, it will continue to do that — regardless of what we call it,” she said.
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