Diversity Think Tank: We can't afford to roll back DEI | Computer Weekly

"With pressure to reduce costs and stay afloat in challenging economic times many businesses cite the cost of DEI initiatives and policies as being prohibitive to doing business. This is short sighted. A 2020 study by McKinsey which gathered data from 1,000 organisations revealed that gender-diverse businesses are 25% more likely to have higher profits, with that number increasing to 36% for ethnically and culturally diverse businesses."

"1. A shift in workplace cultureWhen DEI is no longer a priority the risk is that some employees become more vulnerable to discrimination, micro-aggressions and systemic disadvantages. They may lack the structures and mechanisms to ensure their voices and perspectives are heard, in the worst-case scenario they may be actively silenced. Practically, you might see this in meetings where the same people contribute regularly, and the same people struggle to contribute their ideas and perspectives. Over time you may notice your teams becoming more homogenous."

UK businesses are rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which reverses progress and reinforces systemic inequality. Cost pressures lead many organisations to label DEI measures as prohibitive, despite evidence that gender-diverse firms are 25% more likely to have higher profits and ethnically diverse firms 36% more likely. De-prioritising DEI risks a shift in workplace culture, increased vulnerability to discrimination and micro-aggressions, and silencing of minority voices. Teams can become more homogenous, reducing cognitive diversity and innovation. Rolling back DEI also risks losing customers and talent, increasing legal and reputational exposure, and harming long-term economic performance.

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