Microsoft has disbanded its internal team dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), citing "changing business needs," according to a recent Business Insider report. The layoffs, effective from 1 July, have sparked significant controversy and debate among company employees.
This decision comes despite Microsoft's prior commitment to bolstering diversity initiatives, including a 2020 pledge to double the representation of Black and African-American leaders within the company by 2025. The current progress on this pledge is unclear.
A leader from the now-disbanded team expressed strong criticism of the decision in an email sent to thousands of Microsoft employees, arguing that the team's work is now considered non-essential. "True systems-change work associated with DEI programs everywhere are no longer business critical or smart as they were in 2020," the leader stated, according to the report.
Microsoft spokesperson Jeff Jones reiterated the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives. "Our focus on diversity and inclusion is unwavering, and we are holding firm on our expectations, prioritizing accountability, and continuing to focus on this work," Jones stated to Business Insider.
The reduction in DEI personnel mirrors a broader trend in the tech industry as companies navigate a challenging period following a pandemic-era boom. Reports indicate that companies such as Zoom, Google, and Meta have also scaled back their diversity initiatives in recent months.
Microsoft's layoffs are part of its routine annual workforce adjustments, typically occurring at the start of its fiscal year. However, the company has been making more frequent job reductions recently, including a significant cut of 10,000 employees announced in early 2023.
