Is DEI Dying or Still Alive and Breathing?

I met up with a friend last week for dinner. She and I used to attend college together before she moved to the US to complete her education and find a job there. Before we could even order our food, the first thing she said was, "Guess what? I was told to leave Company X because of my hair."

She's Asian but has a love for braids. Afro braids. And that cost her the job. And there I was thinking, "What the hell, DEI!" I knew this needed to be raised.

DEI? What is DEI?

Not to be confused with what I said (which is a Tamil word I often use to address my friends), DEI, or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, isn’t just a fancy acronym. Imagine a world where everyone feels like they belong regardless of race, age, ethnicity, and background. DEI is that guiding light, pushing us beyond the checkbox mentality into a realm where diverse perspectives rule the roost.

The Origins of DEI

Let’s start with a little history.?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) originated as a response to the 1960s civil rights movement, initially addressing racial discrimination and subsequently expanding to encompass various dimensions such as gender, age, sexual orientation, and disability.

The concept of diversity evolved beyond demographic representation, advocating for equal opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Simultaneously, the idea of equity emerged as a response to the realisation that equal treatment doesn’t inherently lead to fairness, prompting efforts to rectify historical and systemic inequalities. Inclusion became a central theme, emphasising diverse representation while ensuring the meaningful participation of individuals in all facets of society.

The DEI framework gained significant traction in the corporate realm during the 1990s as businesses recognised the tangible benefits of fostering diversity, including enhanced creativity, innovation, and improved decision-making.

What began as a business strategy has since transformed into a broader societal movement, with organisations now held accountable for creating environments that are diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Is That Why DEI is Important?

TL;DR, yes.?

According to Glassdoor’s Diversity and Inclusion Workplace Survey, 76% of job seekers and employees report that a diverse workforce is an important factor when evaluating companies and job offers.

Whether you like it or not, most candidates will evaluate your company based on that factor alone during their research of the company and the interview process.

DEI isn’t just a feel-good mantra; it is a game changer.

Picture a workplace that breaks down biases, fosters innovation, and attracts top-notch talent. Many companies would love to be the first choice for talented employees; on the other hand, employees would love to work for companies that practise this. It’s about creating a workplace powerhouse that knows no bounds.

DEI in the Workplace

Mind you, DEI isn’t confined to hiring policies; it’s the VIP pass to a culture that shouts, “Everyone’s invited!” Companies are rewriting the culture playbook, actively tackling unconscious biases and giving a standing ovation to equal opportunities.

Striving for inclusivity is one thing, fostering diversity is quite another. This reason might just be the key for companies to adopt the DEI approach – a McKinsey study found that ethnically diverse and gender-diverse companies were more profitable!

Here are two examples of DEI in action include:

1. Salesforce isn’t just a cloud giant (or a giant cloud). It’s a DEI maestro. With diverse hiring practices and a commitment to equal pay, they’re creating a DEI tsunami that leads to a workplace where employees are doing the happy (rain) dance.
2. Microsoft isn’t just about Windows and Office (at Home or otherwise). It’s a DEI paradise. By embracing diverse perspectives, they’ve turned the workplace into a stage for innovation, with employees singing praises of higher engagement and productivity.

Now, wouldn’t you like to be on their DEI party guest list?

Let’s not forget the Gen Z employees. Gen Z is the newest generation to enter the workforce with an unwavering loyalty to diversity. A whopping 83% said that a company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is important when choosing an employer.

If that’s not enough of a reason for you, Boston Consulting Group stated in their survey that more than half of all respondents are willing to leave their current employers for a more inclusive culture!

Let’s not fool ourselves. DEI is important.

Is DEI Active in Southeast Asia?

DEI is like a dish on a buffet spread, it isn’t just a Western affair. Boston Consulting Group reported that over the past three years, companies in Southeast Asia have made sizable progress on their DEI initiatives. Thus, recognising the need to ride the tide of changing workplace norms.?

Let’s have a look at two Southeast Asian giants that we’re familiar with:

1. Grab, the people’s ride-hailing and food delivery giant, has been recognised for its commitment to DEI. They don’t just drive you to your destinations; they've been driving initiatives to increase gender diversity in their workforce, including mentorship programs and leadership development opportunities for women.?
2. AirAsia, a leading low-cost airline in Malaysia, has taken steps to promote diversity and inclusivity within its workforce. They may be low-cost so everyone can fly but their efforts in implementing policies to address gender equality and increase the representation of women in leadership roles have high value.

So, How does DEI Affect Us?

We’ve talked about its origins, its importance, and its bearings in Southeast Asia. Now let’s talk about its impact on the people.

DEI isn’t just about companies, by the way; it’s also about the people in them. For employers, it’s a treasure hunt for diverse talent, an innovation booster, and an all-around performance enhancer. And for the employees? We see it as a golden ticket to a workplace that feels like home, creating a loyalty that goes beyond the 9-to-5 grind.

After all, employees are the heartbeat of any workplace. Some applaud their company’s DEI efforts, feeling like they’re part of a workplace utopia. Like Accendo where everyone is given the opportunity to be the best version of themselves at work. But some might be side-eyeing the fancy DEI posters in the breakroom, wondering if it’s all smoke and mirrors.

What Happens Now?

So, is DEI on life support, or is it here to stay? Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? It’s not a passing trend. It’s the North Star guiding organisations towards success, creating a workplace symphony where diverse talents play in harmony. As we navigate the twists and turns of the corporate rollercoaster, let’s ride and surf the DEI wave, because a workplace without it? That’s like a business meeting without coffee – doable, but who would want that?