Diversity & Inclusion
HR Dive Trendline on A deep dive into DEI
Amid discussions of layoffs and shelved DEI initiatives, experts point out that DEI is not dead but requires revival and transformation. This article interviews two practitioners, analyzes the reasons for the decline in the DEI outlook in 2023, and proposes solutions centered on trust and re-examining the business case.
Black CFO representation falls 25% from 2021 peak as diversity levels off
The latest report shows that the number of Black CFOs at major U.S. companies has fallen 25% from its 2021 peak, with the proportion of non-white executives stalling. The number of Asian and Hispanic CFOs has increased, but overall diversity progress has slowed amid policy shifts.
Deloitte to pay $21.5M to settle claims its DEI programs violated federal civil rights law
Deloitte reached a $21.5 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve allegations that its DEI programs involved discriminatory employment practices based on race and gender from January 2017 to August 2026. Deloitte denies wrongdoing but agreed to pay the penalty. The whistleblower, America First Legal, will receive $4.3 million.
McKinsey data sought in congressional DEI probe
A congressional investigation working group led by Republican Congressman Brandon Gill is demanding that McKinsey & Company submit its reports and related data on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In a statement on August 17, Gill said McKinsey's DEI reports are based on 'unsubstantiated and questionable data' and may have contributed to discriminatory hiring practices. McKinsey responded by standing by its research conclusions and emphasizing that its operations in the United States and other markets have always been legal and compliant.
Women are significantly underrepresented in the AI workforce
LinkedIn research shows that in 2025, women will account for only 26% of new hires in AI positions, with an even lower proportion in senior roles and high educational barriers.
Lowe’s lawsuit involving racist slurs to go to trial
A federal judge in the Western District of Texas partially denied Lowe’s motion for summary judgment in a lawsuit brought by a former Black assistant store manager. The plaintiff alleges racial and sexual harassment, retaliation, and FMLA violations. The case will go to trial, underscoring the importance of prompt and thorough investigation of workplace harassment complaints.
Week in review: When saying ‘please’ can lead to late turn-ins
This week's HR industry highlights: Former Zillow executive files discrimination lawsuit; Project management company Chaser analyzes Slack data and finds that task requests containing "please" have a late submission rate as high as 38%; Careerminds survey shows that fewer than half of managers believe they are prepared to handle leadership challenges.
1 in 5 Gen Xers don’t think they’ll ever retire, study suggests
According to a report released by Zety on Wednesday, about 19% of Gen X employees do not expect to fully retire, and the same proportion plan to work past age 68. Inflation is the main cause, and HR needs to provide support.
Bridging the Employer Chasm: How Leading HR Teams Win in 2026
As employee expectations rise, 72% of HR leaders report companies struggling to keep pace, per SHRM's 2026 State of the Workplace. The divide between agile and stagnant organizations is widening, with job satisfaction dropping from 91% to 44% in ineffective firms. This article explores how leading HR teams close the chasm through leadership development, scalable upskilling, and operationalized culture, informed by SHRM's CHRO Priorities and Gartner's 2026 CHRO research, and previews SHRM's All Things Work 2026 conference.