DEI experts are finally getting fired..

Summary

The video discusses the downfall of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) roles in corporate America, with thousands of DEI experts losing their jobs since early 2023. Despite a hiring boom post-2020, major corporations have been scaling back their DEI efforts, leading to a significant impact on professionals in this field. One expert, laid off for over nine months, reflects on the lack of long-term value in DEI roles. The discussion critiques the impact of these roles, suggesting they may be more harmful than beneficial to corporate environments.

Takeaways

• 😀 DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) experts are struggling to find jobs after many corporations have reduced their DEI departments.
• 😀 Thousands of DEI-related jobs were cut, with over 2,600 positions eliminated since early 2023, representing 13% of all DEI jobs.
• 😀 Major corporations that once rushed to enhance their DEI departments are now retreating from those commitments.
• 😀 Many companies are ending their DEI promises and eliminating the positions they previously created to support diversity efforts.
• 😀 A veteran diversity executive, laid off last summer, is still searching for a job more than nine months later.
• 😀 The DEI job market is described as having little value, with criticism stating that these roles may not contribute positively to the corporate environment.
• 😀 Some argue that DEI positions, rather than helping, may be damaging and that the value they provide is questioned.
• 😀 There is a suggestion that those in DEI roles may be easily replaced based on diversity quotas rather than qualifications or merit.
• 😀 Corporate decisions about DEI are said to be driven by external pressures and quotas rather than genuine commitment to diversity.
• 😀 A person shares frustration about the lack of job opportunities in DEI, stating that if someone creates something with no real value, they shouldn’t expect to be hired.
• 😀 A recommendation is made to confront higher-ups about the lack of support for DEI initiatives, even suggesting to pressure other departments (like marketing) to understand the impact of neglecting these issues.

Q & A

What significant trend regarding DEI jobs is mentioned in the script?

The script highlights that DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) jobs, which were once rapidly expanded, are now being cut, with over 2,600 jobs eliminated since early 2023.

What impact has the reduction in DEI jobs had on the job market?

The reduction has had a significant professional impact, with many DEI professionals struggling to find new jobs, including a veteran diversity executive who has been searching for a job for over 9 months.

What was the initial reason behind the expansion of DEI departments in major corporations?

The expansion of DEI departments was driven by corporate America's desire to address diversity and inclusion issues, especially after the heightened social awareness of these topics post-2020.

How many DEI-related jobs were removed as a percentage of the total in early 2023?

Around 13% of DEI-related jobs were eliminated in early 2023, which reflects the widespread retreat from DEI commitments by corporations.

What does the script suggest about the value of DEI jobs?

The script suggests that DEI jobs are seen by some as lacking real value, with one perspective stating that these roles add no value and may even be harmful to the workplace.

How does the script describe the treatment of DEI professionals within companies?

The script conveys a negative view of how DEI professionals are treated, suggesting that they can be easily replaced for reasons like fulfilling diversity quotas, and that the importance of their work is often overlooked.

What does the speaker suggest DEI professionals should do if their value is not recognized by higher-ups?

The speaker advises DEI professionals to approach their higher-ups and make a strong case for the value of their work, including bringing in consultants or presenting research to support their initiatives.

What is the overall sentiment about DEI departments and their role in corporate America as expressed in the script?

The overall sentiment in the script is critical of DEI departments, with some individuals viewing them as unnecessary or even harmful, reflecting a broader retreat from diversity initiatives in the corporate world.

What is the significance of the phrase 'corporate America has eliminated more than 2,600 jobs in diversity, equity, and inclusion'?

This phrase underscores the scale of the retreat from DEI efforts in corporate America, highlighting the considerable job losses within this sector, which were once a key focus for companies.

How does the script portray the DEI professional job market?

The script portrays the DEI professional job market as challenging, with many individuals in the field finding it difficult to secure new employment, even after extended job searches.