It’s disappointing to see companies like Accenture roll back or even eliminate their diversity policies. It seems like diversity and inclusion (D&I) has become a choice, something you can turn ‘on’ or ‘off’. But that’s not how it works. D&I is not a project, it’s not a trend, it’s a fundamental part of a society that wants to be fair and equal. It’s not a switch you can turn on or off.
The harsh reality: “When fairness is optional, inequality wins”
“When fairness is optional, inequality wins.” This powerful statement perfectly captures the heart of the problem. Diversity and inclusion are not ‘nice to haves’, they’re not performance indicators that you can drop when things aren’t going well. They are the building blocks of a workplace that really works, where everyone feels at home and has the opportunity to reach their full potential. It’s the foundation of a society in which we have to work together.
Inequality is still deeply entrenched
It’s easy to think that we’ve come a long way in D&I. But the reality is that inequality is still deeply entrenched in our systems. The “Let’s play equal” board game illustrates this beautifully. Just like in real life, some players start with privilege, while others face systemic barriers. And the outcome, just like in reality, is anything but fair. It shows that fairness is not a given.
A call to action: building an inclusive future together
This is not an indictment of specific companies. It’s a call to action. A call to have the difficult conversations, to acknowledge the impact of inequality, and to work together to create a world where fairness is not up for debate. A world where diversity is not just tolerated, but celebrated. A world where inclusion is not a dream, but the norm. A world where we work together, regardless of our differences.
DE&I is not a choice, but a necessity
It’s understandable that companies are struggling with the complexities of D&I. It’s not easy, it takes time and effort. But it’s not a choice. It’s a necessity. We live in a diverse society and our companies need to reflect that. Not just because it’s ethical, but also because it’s good for the bottom line. Diverse teams are more creative, innovative and successful. And most importantly, because we live together in this society.
Let’s not turn off the DE&I button
Let’s stop treating D&I as a project and start seeing it for what it is: an integral part of who we are and how we work together. Let’s not turn off the button, but start the dialogue, join forces and build an inclusive future together. A future in which we work together, regardless of our background.
How can you continue to promote diversity and inclusion as a company?
💜 Keep the conversation going: D&I should not be a topic that is only discussed on special days or in training sessions. It must be an ongoing dialogue within organizations. Invest in training and development: Make sure employees and managers are aware of unconscious biases and learn how to create an inclusive environment.
💙 Measure and evaluate: Set concrete goals and measure progress. This is the only way to see where you stand and where you can make improvements.
💚 Share successes and learn from mistakes: Be transparent about what works and what doesn’t. Learn from each other and share best practices.
💜 Celebrate diversity: Show that you are proud of the diversity within your organization. Organize events and activities that celebrate different cultures and backgrounds.
💙 Collaborate: Find partners who can help you realize your D&I goals. Together you are stronger.
Diversity and inclusion are not a switch that you can turn on or off. It is a continuous process that requires effort and dedication. But it is worth it. Together we can create a world in which everyone has equal opportunities and in which everyone feels at home. Let’s build that world together. A world in which we work together.
