Dear Tractor Supply Company: Suppressing DEI initiatives is the opposite of a future-proof strategy.
This company has reneged on its DEI investments as a result of right-wing anti-inclusion aggression.
For other companies watching: It doesn’t have to be this way.
??But first, what happened:
Under the guise of supporting "rural customers," Tractor Supply Company has disavowed their commitment to inclusion.
Women, queer folks, and BIPOC apparently don't make up enough of their customer base (or 50,000 employees in 49 states) to stay on course.
This highlights a critical conversation about inclusion, business strategy, and investments in inclusion, and America's changing demographics.
Let's break it down:
1. Tractor Supply's Initial Inclusion Stance:
- Implemented LGBTQIA+ and Anti-Bias trainings and events
- Established a DEI Council
- Donated $570,000 to DEI causes in 2021
- Was recognized for creating an inclusive workplace
2. The Backlash:
Conservative groups called for a boycott, claiming these initiatives didn't align with TSC’s “rural” customer base.
3. Tractor Supply's Response:
They've retreated from these initiatives, citing customer preferences.
4. The Rural Reality:
Rural areas aren't lacking diversity. Women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and BIPOC are integral. I can attest it's a blend of diversity—especially Southern rural areas.
5. The Business Case for Diversity:
Conservatives created the "go woke, go broke" moniker, using this boycott to fuel their movement.
But it's not factually true: companies prioritizing diversity show higher innovation, productivity, and profit.
The X (Twitter) backlash perhaps made it easier to focus short-term vs. long-term by holding the DEI values line.
6. We must accept diversity as a fact.
- Rural areas don't all resemble a Dixieland Confederacy painting.
- Areas that used to be are seeing more diverse groups moving in, and that’s likely to increase.
7. Building for the future requires investments in inclusion.
- By 2050, the US population majority will be Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
- Business success will rely on intentionally including diverse populations.
As demographics shift, companies must recognize their increasingly diverse customer and employee base.
Suppressing DEI initiatives is the opposite of a future-proof strategy.
8. Ethnically, racially, and gender-diverse organizations outperform less diverse competitors.
———
The Future of Business:
While "DEI" might be a contentious term right now, creating an environment where ALL are intentionally supported remains good business.
For some, it's too hard to toe that line, especially when inclusion isn't in their company DNA.
Companies must look beyond short-term controversies for long-term sustainability and growth.
??What are your thoughts on balancing inclusivity initiatives and anti-DEI aggression?
#DEI
#BusinessStrategy #InclusiveWorkplace
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