The following article is by Christine White, Director of Diversity Mark as featured in the Irish News on Tuesday 4th March 2025.
Despite growing backlash against equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives in the US, many leading companies are standing their ground, reaffirming that fostering inclusive workplaces isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a business imperative.
The umbrella of EDI has weathered many a storm, but few as fierce as the one currently raging across the world stage. However, this backlash is giving those that were genuinely committed to the agenda the perfect opportunity to demonstrate that they were serious about it all along. We know that people ‘vote with their feet’ when they feel unsettled within the workplace so external public commitment will go a long way to holding onto and attracting the best people. I, for one, would feel unsettled if an organisation I worked for suddenly decided that inclusion wasn’t on the agenda anymore after years of seemingly ‘walking the talk’.
On the world stage global businesses like Microsoft, JP Morgan and Costco should be applauded for their unwavering commitment to inclusion, not to mention Deloitte UK which recently stood apart from its US counterpart in reaffirming its EDI commitments.
Some US companies are quietly pressing pause on inclusion efforts in fear of criticism. What begins as hesitation across the pond can create a ripple effect impacting companies operating here, particularly those in which EDI is not everyday practice but instead an isolated initiative vulnerable to change. We must not let that happen; we must put people first.
What we need is strength in numbers, for other organisations to join the likes of Deloitte in publicly declaring their commitment to the core values of equality, diversity and inclusion. We need more leaders to speak up such as Accenture Ireland’s Country Managing Director Hilary O’Meara who recently stated, “Accenture’s commitment to an inclusive and diverse workforce remains unwavering.”
Yes, the language may change, but the principles remain the same: creating a workplace culture shaped by people and evidence, where everyone, no matter their identity or background, feel welcome and have an equal opportunity to participate and thrive.
The evidence is clear: Harvard Business Review research reveals inclusive organisations are more innovative, resilient and successful, while findings from BetterUp found workplace belonging leads to a 50% reduction in employee turnover.
Through Diversity Mark, we are enabling businesses across the UK and Ireland to build a workplace culture that place people at the heart of it. Diversity Mark’s proven accreditation framework, combined with annual independent feedback, expert guidance, and peer support, empowers organisations to make meaningful, measurable progress on the frontier of inclusion.
Credit goes to the many Diversity Mark signatory organisations for their dedication and progress in EDI, representing 200,000 employees across Northern Ireland alone. What we do day-and-daily is supporting organisations from all sectors in a way that ensures inclusion begins and ends with people. Done right, the impact can be transformational.
Join Diversity Mark today to make a powerful and public commitment to EDI. Book a call to learn more about Diversity Mark or send an email to info@diversity-mark-ni.co.uk if you have any questions.
