In a significant move, Amazon is adjusting some of its race and gender diversity programs, following Meta’s example.
Like other major companies, Amazon is gradually adjusting its race and gender diversity programs.
a positive sign of its ongoing commitment to these initiatives and the potential for a more inclusive workplace.
Large tech companies like Amazon have paid special attention to their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in recent years. DEI.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are designed to create a more equal and fair workplace for all employees regardless of race, gender, religion, and other characteristics.
However, Amazon has recently changed its approach to these programs.
Amazon said it is “gradually reducing outdated programs and materials” related to DEI and plans to complete the process by the end of this year.
The company will focus on integrating DEI principles into its core business processes rather than implementing stand-alone programs.
The company says the shift means moving from “add-on” programs to “built-in” and “pervasive” ones.
In other words, Amazon is trying to make DEI principles an integral part of its corporate culture.
Amazon is among others that have moved to scale back or eliminate their DEI programs, along with Meta, McDonald’s, and Walmart.
This could signal a broader trend among large U.S. companies. This shift in approach to DEI could inspire other companies to rethink their strategies and make similar changes.
Amazon justified its shift in approach to DEI by saying that current DEI programs were designed to address. “specific inequalities” and would end when those inequalities were addressed.
By integrating DEI into its organizational processes.
Amazon aims to embed these principles permanently into its culture, potentially leading to a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
In addition to the changes to its internal programs, Amazon has also changed its public statements about DEI.
It has also changed the tone of its statement on its commitment to DEI from emphasizing the moral aspect to emphasizing its business benefits.
The changes come as some conservative groups in the United States oppose DEI programs.
and have even threatened to sue companies for implementing them.
This pressure and a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down affirmative action in college admissions could have influenced Amazon and other companies to change their approach to DEI.
According to CNBC, the lack of clarity about exactly which Amazon DEI programs will be eliminated.
and the change in tone of the company’s public statements have raised concerns about the company’s steadfast commitment to DEI principles.
Some critics believe the change in approach could mean Amazon is reducing its focus on diversity and equality issues.