By 2030, the workforce will be majority women and non-white. Diversity is an unchangeable fact, but inclusion is the lever to unlock its power. Equity ensures the systems we rely on evolve to meet everyone where they are, providing the tools and resources for success. This work isn't optional if businesses want to remain relevant—it’s essential to their survival and growth.
This is the assertion of Carolina Milanesi in her article entitled “The Role Of Diversity Equity And Inclusion In Making Amazon The Best Employer On Earth.” Here at SunShower Learning, we agree!
Take Amazon as a case study.
Despite criticism and ongoing equity challenges, Amazon continues to double down on DEI as a long-term investment. Its recently released equity audit underscores why:
Amazon understands a fundamental truth: failing to reflect the diversity of your customers and workforce at every level—especially leadership—risks irrelevance.
To retreat from DEI in times of challenge is to choose short-term ease over long-term success.
The high cost of exclusion
On the flip side, divesting from DEI carries a staggering price. Exclusion costs the economy over $1 trillion annually. Companies that abandon these efforts alienate employees and customers alike. A recent Human Rights Campaign (HRC) report reveals that 72% of LGBTQ+ adults feel less accepted at companies rolling back DEI initiatives—a sentiment that directly impacts buying power and employee engagement.Beyond the ethical implications, exclusion stifles innovation. Diverse perspectives fuel creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. Psychological safety—a key predictor of team performance—thrives in inclusive environments, enabling teams to deliver their best work. Without it, businesses risk stagnation.
DEI as a competitive advantage
DEI is not a fleeting trend; it’s a strategic pillar. Companies like Amazon, E.L.F. Beauty and Microsoft recognize this and continue to invest in DEI despite challenges. They understand that a diverse, inclusive workplace doesn’t just “feel right”—it delivers tangible business results:Engaged employees who stay.Loyal customers who trust and identify with the brand.Leadership teams that make smarter, more effective decisions.
As McKinsey & Company’s research consistently shows, the most diverse companies outperform their less diverse peers, with profitability rates 39% higher.
Divesting from DEI is not just a step back; it’s a move toward mediocrity in an increasingly competitive and diverse marketplace.
A call to commitment
The choice to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion is a choice to build stronger teams, foster greater innovation and secure long-term business success.
Abandoning these efforts isn’t just a risk—it’s a self-inflicted wound that hurts profitability, creativity and collaboration.
DEI is not about politics; it’s about people. It’s about the enduring human need to belong and contribute. And it’s about businesses leveraging their greatest asset—diverse talent—to drive performance.
The path forward is clear: commit to DEI—not as a trend but as a fundamental, enduring strategy for growth. The future of your business depends on it.
This is the assertion of Carolina Milanesi in her article entitled “The Role Of Diversity Equity And Inclusion In Making Amazon The Best Employer On Earth.” Here at SunShower Learning, we agree!
Take Amazon as a case study.
Despite criticism and ongoing equity challenges, Amazon continues to double down on DEI as a long-term investment. Its recently released equity audit underscores why:
- 69% of its U.S. workforce is BIPOC, yet leadership remains disproportionately white and male.
- Employee-led affinity groups play a critical role in fostering belonging.
- Progress is slow but deliberate, as seen in incremental increases in leadership diversity since 2020.
Amazon understands a fundamental truth: failing to reflect the diversity of your customers and workforce at every level—especially leadership—risks irrelevance.
To retreat from DEI in times of challenge is to choose short-term ease over long-term success.
The high cost of exclusion
On the flip side, divesting from DEI carries a staggering price. Exclusion costs the economy over $1 trillion annually. Companies that abandon these efforts alienate employees and customers alike. A recent Human Rights Campaign (HRC) report reveals that 72% of LGBTQ+ adults feel less accepted at companies rolling back DEI initiatives—a sentiment that directly impacts buying power and employee engagement.Beyond the ethical implications, exclusion stifles innovation. Diverse perspectives fuel creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. Psychological safety—a key predictor of team performance—thrives in inclusive environments, enabling teams to deliver their best work. Without it, businesses risk stagnation.
DEI as a competitive advantage
DEI is not a fleeting trend; it’s a strategic pillar. Companies like Amazon, E.L.F. Beauty and Microsoft recognize this and continue to invest in DEI despite challenges. They understand that a diverse, inclusive workplace doesn’t just “feel right”—it delivers tangible business results:Engaged employees who stay.Loyal customers who trust and identify with the brand.Leadership teams that make smarter, more effective decisions.
As McKinsey & Company’s research consistently shows, the most diverse companies outperform their less diverse peers, with profitability rates 39% higher.
Divesting from DEI is not just a step back; it’s a move toward mediocrity in an increasingly competitive and diverse marketplace.
A call to commitment
The choice to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion is a choice to build stronger teams, foster greater innovation and secure long-term business success.
Abandoning these efforts isn’t just a risk—it’s a self-inflicted wound that hurts profitability, creativity and collaboration.
DEI is not about politics; it’s about people. It’s about the enduring human need to belong and contribute. And it’s about businesses leveraging their greatest asset—diverse talent—to drive performance.
The path forward is clear: commit to DEI—not as a trend but as a fundamental, enduring strategy for growth. The future of your business depends on it.
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