Boeing has had a tumultuous year, marked by a series of setbacks including safety incidents, executive departures, and declining stock prices. Now, the company’s decision to dismantle its DEI department has sparked further controversy. Sara Liang Bowen’s departure as Boeing’s head of DEI highlights the personal and professional toll of these decisions. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, she highlighted the importance of human connection and the potential for positive change within organizations.
Boeing is not alone in scaling back DEI initiatives. In recent months, numerous tech giants and other major corporations, including Google, Microsoft, and Meta, have also made similar decisions, citing economic pressures and changing business priorities. This trend has led to significant backlash from employees, customers, and social media users, who argue that such moves undermine efforts to create more equitable and inclusive workplaces. Harley-Davidson, for example, faced significant criticism for its decision to cut DEI programmes.
While Elon Musk and other critics rail against DEI, many corporate leaders remain committed to DEI initiatives.
HR analyst Josh Bersin, in a recent podcast, revealed that discussions with over 30 companies show widespread concern about the 2024 election’s impact. Many leaders are apprehensive, but he stressed that the issue is here to stay.
A recent study by Bridge Partners found that 72% of C-suite and HR leaders plan to increase their investment in DEI over the next two years. A Pew Research Center study reveals that a significant majority of workers believe that focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion is a good thing, particularly among women.
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