Takeaways from 5 Trends in DEI for 2021

What a great conversation we had last week on our Five Trends in DEI for 2021 webinar! The conversation and questions really were on target with what we see happening for this year. If you weren’t able to join us for the fireside chat last week, here is a summary of the top five trends:

1. Organizations will be held accountable for the commitments they made last year to racial justice. Major corporations such as Macy’s, Sephora, CBS, Starbucks, and Microsoft have gotten more specific beyond vague commitments. Consumers and employees will hold them and others accountable.

2. Employee Resource Groups will be given more support and tasked with more business imperative projects. Last year, more ERGs were tasked to help with diversity recruiting; hosting or organizing listening sessions on racial equity; and providing resources and guidance on how to support employees during time of COVID. They've proven their tremendous value and will be more resourced.

3. Organizations will permanently expand employee benefits to provide greater flexibility and address mental health. Some organizations are investigating 4-day workweeks and permanent hybrid scheduling. Many are now permanently offering Talkspace and Calm memberships to employees.

4. The pipeline will stop being an excuse for lack of diversity. This is due to greater awareness of where to recruit, tools to reduce hiring bias, and an expanded talent pool because of more remote work opportunities — to name a few.

5. Marketing and product design will permanently have a more inclusive lens. This is being seen today in Ritz and Oreo ads, Zappos single size shoes, and. Barbie products. Barbie is especially noteworthy in a video conversation between Barbie and Nikki that addresses racism.

Image by: Equality Institute