We’ve been seeing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives being cut time and time again throughout the tech industry. DEIB dedicated roles have been eliminated, employee resource groups have lost funding, and initiatives once considered crucial have been deprioritised in favour of “more immediate business needs.”
The justification for these cuts is often the same: Economic conditions are tough. Budgets are tight. We have to focus on the core business. But let us be clear, DEIB is not separate from business success. It is not a luxury, it is a fundamental driver of innovation, collaboration, and long-term growth. If we genuinely believe in tech as a force for progress, then cutting DEIB is a step in the wrong direction. This article provides the evidence.