I don’t normally post anything polarizing on LinkedIn, but seeing as I have SHRM’s letters behind my name I feel like I can’t be silent. SHRM’s decision to remove equity and emphasize inclusion in their vision (which was already there to begin with so this feels like a bad smoke & mirrors tactic) is not about focusing their efforts on an initiative that encompasses equity. It’s about removing a word that makes people in positions of power uncomfortable. Focusing on equity invites us to think about how our choices impact diverse groups at work. It’s not just about equal pay, it’s about making sure staffing practices don’t disparately impact groups who didn’t get the same educational opportunities as others, but provide just as much value in their work ethic. It’s about helping our managers better understand how to develop neurodiverse employees instead of trying to fit them in a box that isn’t conducive to their growth. Equity has so many invisible gains that aren’t obvious at first, but ultimately make a business better because they appeal to and motivate a larger audience that brings diversity of thought along with them. Inclusion is fruitless without considering equity, because an organization has no staying power if they don’t consider how different groups of people are impacted by their practices. I’m disappointed by this change, but sadly not surprised. Unfortunately SHRM is once again showing us what side their bread is buttered on. When emerging HR professionals will ask me for advice about getting their SHRM-CP, I will tell them to put effort toward a PHR instead.
“We're going to lead with inclusion, because we need a world where inclusion is front and center. And that means inclusion for all, not some people. Everyone has a right to feel that they belong in the workplace and that they are included.” – Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, Today, SHRM announces an important shift in our approach to Inclusion and Diversity. Effective immediately, SHRM will be adopting the acronym "I&D" instead of "IE&D." This strategic decision underscores our commitment to leading with Inclusion as the catalyst for holistic change in workplaces and society. As SHRM President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP shared in his #SHRM24 Main Stage address, this new focus highlights SHRM's role as the foremost expert and advocate in workplace Inclusion and Diversity. By emphasizing Inclusion-first, we aim to address the current shortcomings of DE&I programs, which have led to societal backlash and increasing polarization. While we shift to I&D, our commitment to advancing Equity remains steadfast. Equity will be integrated under the broader Inclusion framework, continuing to be a priority in our strategy and leadership decisions. SHRM is excited to lead this initiative as the next step in our enduring commitment to fostering better workplaces and a better world. We encourage you to adopt an Inclusion-first approach within your own organizations and join us in creating meaningful change. Let's drive change together. Adopt I&D today and be part of the movement. #InclusionAndDiversity #WorkplaceChange #Leadership
Feels like it’s happening everywhere. Our DEI initiatives got scrapped, our employee resource groups are gone. Replaced with an “equality” initiative which really indicates that the concept of equity is either not understood or deliberately being discarded.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on this important matter. It's crucial to advocate for equity in all aspects of organizational practice to foster true inclusion and growth.
Everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed. Companies (and the world, really) are better for it when they give everyone access to shine their brightest. Equity is a critical piece of that.
I think you are spot-on, Olivia! Well said.
Brand Positioning for Manufacturing Clients | Creative Director & Co-Founder at build/create
3moI hear you. It feels like what you said- as words have taken on new life in society there's suddenly new pressure around them. Eventually the words take on such power that they start to imply a level of accountability that is anathema to the culture of power. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, this was a good post to land on first thing in the morning :)