Insights
Feb 22, 2025
DEI in the Crosshairs: How Global organisations can respond amid political rollbacks in USA
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If you’ve been paying attention to the headlines lately, you might have noticed something troubling: diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts are being challenged in ways we didn’t think possible a few years ago. In the US, the new Trump administration is already rolling back DEI initiatives, and similar patterns are emerging in other parts of the world. It’s a stark reminder that progress isn’t always linear.
But here’s the thing—when governments pull back, organisations have the power to step up. Global companies, especially, are in a unique position to lead the charge. They can ensure that inclusion isn’t just a trend but a foundational part of how we work together. So, how do we do this in an increasingly complex and polarised world? Let’s break it down.
What Happens When Political Support for DEI Fades?
First, let’s talk about the fallout. An article in the Harvard Business Review reported survey findings which found workplace exclusion to be a systemic issue causing major financial losses. When governments scale back on DEI policies, the impact ripples into workplaces. Employees start to feel the shift, and it’s not always positive:
- Employees Lose Confidence: Imagine working somewhere where your identity feels less and less visible. That’s the reality for many marginalised employees when DEI is deprioritised.
- Inconsistent Practices Across Borders: For multinational companies, keeping a unified DEI strategy becomes harder when some regions actively resist inclusion efforts.
- Momentum Stalls: Progress can feel like it’s slipping away, leaving employees and leaders alike unsure of how to move forward.
Sounds heavy? It is. But it’s not the end of the story.
How Global Organisations Can Lead the Way
When political climates become challenging, businesses have an opportunity to lead by example. Here’s how they can respond with resilience, creativity, and purpose.
1. Set DEI Standards That Transcend Borders
Let’s face it—political climates vary wildly depending on where your teams are based. That’s why global organisations need to set their own universal DEI standards. These act as a guiding compass, ensuring consistency no matter where your offices are.
- What This Looks Like: Develop a global DEI framework that defines your organisation’s principles. Think of it as a playbook that can be adapted to fit local contexts but never compromises on core values.
2. Lean Into Outcomes-Based DEI
With political rollbacks, DEI must shift from performative gestures to measurable impact. Organisations need to track real outcomes—like increased retention, improved team cohesion, and higher engagement—rather than just training attendance.
- Beyond Compliance: DEI efforts should drive real change, not just meet legal requirements.
- Embed DEI in Decision-Making: Set KPIs for inclusivity in hiring, leadership, and performance evaluations.
3. Empower Grassroots DEI Champions
Top-down initiatives are great, but real change happens when employees feel ownership of DEI efforts. Encouraging grassroots advocacy within your organisation can create a culture where inclusion thrives organically.
- How to Get Started: Support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that give employees a platform to connect and advocate for change. Provide training and resources to help them succeed.
4. Stay Culturally Sensitive
Global DEI doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all. To make real progress, organisations need to balance universal principles with a deep understanding of local cultures.
- How to Do This: Work with local leaders to tailor initiatives in ways that respect regional norms and practices. Incorporate cultural awareness training into leadership development to equip managers with the tools they need to lead inclusively.
5. Be Transparent About Your Progress
If you’re serious about DEI, you have to show your work. Transparency builds trust and keeps everyone—leaders and employees alike—accountable.
- How to Do This:
- Publish annual DEI reports that highlight successes, challenges, and areas for growth.
- Create feedback channels where employees can share their thoughts on DEI initiatives.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Political rollbacks on DEI are frustrating, but they’re also a chance for organisations to prove their commitment. By setting universal standards, embracing innovative tools like e-learning, and empowering employees at every level, companies can create inclusive cultures that thrive—even in difficult times.
Ireland, with its growing multicultural workforce, has an incredible opportunity to lead by example. By staying resilient and forward-thinking, organisations here can show the world what’s possible when inclusion is prioritised, no matter the external pressures.
Discover more with our training on “Securing Psychological Safety in Teams”: www.gormmedia.com/services
Aniruddha Methi (she/they) is an Erasmus Mundus scholar and trainee Social-Cultural Psychologist. She is committed to advancing systemic equity, inclusion, belonging and social justice for oppressed communities, actively incorporating an intersectional lens. Aniruddha brings over 2 years of dynamic experience across India, Canada, Ireland, and Portugal in results-driven project management, onsite and remote coordination of multicultural teams, and administration for national NGOs and psychology laboratories. Fluent in English and Hindi, she is robustly equipped to engage with diverse stakeholders and cultivate impactful DEI and intercultural competence initiatives in organisations.
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