Voice of Business Blog

In recent years, we have witnessed a workplace transformation, bringing DEI to the forefront of conversations throughout institutions of all sizes, industries, and histories. In the years following the widespread racial unrest we witnessed throughout the summer of 2020, companies have expanded their diversity efforts and tried to build momentum on creating new programs for historically underrepresented groups. More recently, however, this trend has been waning, as companies reduce spend on DEI-related initiatives. The Washington Post reported an 8% drop in DEI roles in the United States in 2024 on top of a 5% decrease throughout 2023.

While this divestiture can seem concerning, I want to challenge you to go beyond traditional diversity programming to find ways to create true economic advancement opportunities and cultures of belonging throughout our workplaces and the broader Greater Rochester community. While increased conversations and awareness around diversity are beneficial in many ways, when companies are doing it because it is a trendy thing to do instead of due to an actual desire to make a difference, initiatives will not have the intended effect. In fact, they can instead create real harm for businesses and minority groups. A study conducted by Harvard Business Review of 829 companies over 31 years showed “no positive effects in the average workplace” from diversity training, while the effect was negative where it was mandatory.

Instead of implementing one-size-fits-all check-box trainings or other hollow efforts, organizations should instead find ways to create a meaningful difference. This, of course, will require a far more significant investment of time and resources than an organization-wide offering, however, it will also yield far more consequential results for individuals, their families, and organizations alike. The real work that needs to be done to confront the history of bigotry and exclusion on the micro and macro levels across the country throughout history is not easy or fast work, but it is meaningful work worth doing.

The path to a better and more inclusive future with economic equity in our region means identifying and addressing the structural barriers that prevent underrepresented groups from having the same opportunities and resources in our communities. This requires a shift in thinking among everyone in our community, and follow through on a commitment to actionable items. Instead of talking about DEI, it’s time to act on it.

Each of the finalists for tonight’s Colors of Success Leadership Award works in and out to do this significant work. On behalf of Greater Rochester Chamber and our 1,300 members, I want to thank each of them for their hard work and contributions to our region and community and congratulate them on this honor. I also want to thank the program partners and sponsors who made this recognition and award ceremony possible, and all of our attendees for coming together to help us celebrate. We are eager to see the continued impact of all of these outstanding leaders in the years to come.

Now, let’s work together to build a better Greater Rochester for all.

This column originally appeared in the 2024 Colors of Success Leadership Award Publication