Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have taken many forms across the workplace over the past two decades.

While some organizations continue to lead in this space, others have recently scaled back due to political, legal, or reputational concerns.

This article presents a set of verified case studies to show what meaningful DEI has looked like in action—and what changed in 2025.

DEI in Action: What Success Looked Like

These case studies showcase measurable DEI efforts implemented before or during 2024, across sectors and focus areas.

1. Microsoft

• Maintains employee networks like GLEAM (LGBTQIA+ & Allies) and BAM (Black Employee Network)

• Offers inclusive family leave, transition-related healthcare, and disability accommodations

• Publishes an annual Global Diversity & Inclusion report and maintains internal dashboards to track inclusion metrics (Microsoft, 2024)

2. Accenture

• Built global Employee Resource Groups, including 120K+ members in Pride ERG and 27K+ Disability Champions

• Reached a perfect score on the Disability Equality Index for eight years (Accenture, 2024)

• Released transparent data on hiring, pay equity, and promotion outcomes by demographic

3. PwC

• Launched its "Inclusion First" strategy that includes mentorship for early-career employees

• 40% of staff involved in inclusion networks (PwC, 2024)

• Developed data-driven methods for measuring belonging, retention, and engagement

4. Apple

• Created internal DEI councils and board-level commitments to pay equity

• Defended DEI in shareholder meetings and embedded belonging into talent and brand strategy (Apple, 2024)

These examples show that DEI can be embedded in both policy and culture—and that real structural change is possible.

What Changed in 2025: A Shift in Strategy

In 2025, some of these same companies changed course. While not abandoning the values of inclusion, they adjusted public-facing DEI efforts in response to broader pressures.

Accenture (February 2025)

• Formally ended global DEI benchmarks and paused identity-specific career programs

• Internal communications cited legal risks tied to federal compliance as a driving factor (TIME, 2025)

Meta, Ford, and Wells Fargo

• Rebranded or renamed DEI teams (e.g., "employee engagement")

• Removed demographic-specific targets from internal goals to reduce reputational risk (Reuters, 2025)

Zoom and Molson Coors

• Disbanded or outsourced DEI functions entirely

• In Zoom’s case, the decision was framed as a move toward external consultation rather than internal staffing (HR Dive, 2025)

Deloitte (U.S.)

• Encouraged staff to remove pronouns from signatures, softened visibility of DEI programs

• While still investing globally, the U.S. arm began dialing back publicly branded efforts (Washington Post, 2025)

These shifts reflect legal and political headwinds, as well as organizational desire to avoid becoming a target of backlash.

Why This Matters: A Moment of Clarity

Even companies that have since scaled back made real, measurable progress in previous years. This is important to remember:

• Their programs had impact. People were mentored, policies were changed, barriers were lowered.

• Backlash does not erase value. Companies are adapting—not necessarily abandoning—inclusion work.

• We are in a transition period. Some firms are reframing DEI in response to legal uncertainty, but the mission of inclusion continues in quieter, subtler forms.

Conclusion: The Future Is Still Being Written

This moment calls for reflection, not resignation.

As public visibility of DEI changes, the work behind the scenes may continue in new forms.

Organizations still face the same core challenge: how to ensure fair treatment, equal access, and a culture where everyone can thrive.

Real stories help us see what DEI looks like beyond slogans. And even when programs change, the lessons remain. If we stay curious and committed, we can help shape what comes next.

How Diversity.com Supports Inclusion and Safe Workplaces

At Diversity.com, we know true inclusion is more urgent than ever. Outdated systems and new legislation should never stand in the way of opportunity or safety.

We are committed to helping job seekers and employers connect in a space built on authenticity, respect, and real DEI leadership.

As the leading DEI job board, we provide the tools and resources you need to navigate today’s challenges and build a future where everyone belongs.

For Employers & HR Leaders:

✔ Post LGBTQ-Inclusive Job Listings — Reach a diverse, talented pool of candidates and show your commitment to workplace equality—even in challenging times.

✔ Access Up-to-Date DEI Resources — Get the latest guidance on responding to new state laws, updating your policies, and supporting all employees with confidence.

✔ Build a Resilient Community — Connect with other professionals facing similar challenges, share strategies, and lead the way on real inclusion.

For Job Seekers:

✔ Find Safe and Inclusive Employers — Explore organizations actively supporting inclusion, even as laws and climates shift.

✔ Strengthen Your Profile — Showcase your experiences and find employers who value diversity, equity, and your authentic self.

✔ Stay Informed & Empowered — Access timely articles and resources about your rights, workplace safety, and strategies for thriving—no matter where you work.

We believe every job search and every hire can help create safer, more inclusive workplaces.

Ready to take action? Start building with Diversity.com.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to Contact Us Here. Our dedicated support team is ready to help!

Related Articles

• Debunking the Myth: DEI Doesn’t Mean Lowering Hiring Standards

• From Civil Rights to Controversy: The Rise, Purpose, and Pushback of DEI in America

• Why Is DEI Under Attack? Understanding the Current Backlash

• Is DEI Still Relevant in 2025? Here’s Why the Answer Is Yes

• The Silent Retreat: Understanding the Decline of DEI Roles in Corporate America

Sources & References

• Accenture. (2024). Disability Inclusion and Transparency Report. https://www.accenture.com

• Apple. (2024). 2024 Annual Shareholder Meeting Report. https://www.apple.com

• Deloitte. (2025). Internal communications memo, cited in The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com

• HR Dive. (2025). Zoom dissolves DEI team, pivots to consultants. https://www.hrdive.com

• Microsoft. (2024). Global Diversity and Inclusion Report. https://www.microsoft.com

• PwC. (2024). Inclusion First Strategy Overview. https://www.pwc.com

• TIME. (2025). Why Accenture Scaled Back Its DEI Targets. https://time.com

• Reuters. (2025). Meta, Ford quietly rebrand DEI offices. https://www.reuters.com

• Washington Post. (2025). Deloitte and the DEI Retraction Wave. https://www.washingtonpost.com