Why DEI Still Matters - And Why Your Teams Need It!

There’s been a lot of talk lately about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training, especially with the US President rolling back DEI initiatives. Some companies are now left wondering: Is DEI still relevant? To which I say…

“Absolutely. More than ever”.

The reality is, businesses that invest in diversity training don’t just tick a box - they create stronger teams, happier employees, belonging. And that’s something no policy change can take away.

What’s Happening with DEI Policies?

The Executive Order 14173, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity”, is aiming to shut down federal DEI programs and limit corporate diversity training. This could mean less funding and more scrutiny for businesses running DEI initiatives. However, companies that are serious about inclusive leadership and diverse workforces aren’t letting politics decide how they treat their employees.

Why DEI Training is a Game-Changer for Your Business

Despite all the noise, businesses that prioritise DEI are seeing real, measurable benefits:

Smarter Teams = Better Ideas – Companies with diverse teams are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors (McKinsey, 2023). Different perspectives fuel creativity and problem-solving.

Happy Employees Stick Around – People who feel valued and included are more engaged and way less likely to leave. That means lower turnover and stronger teams.

Attracting Top Talent – Let’s be real, Millennials and Gen Z want to work somewhere that actually values diversity, mental health, and inclusion. Companies without solid DEI programs risk losing top candidates.

Boosts Your Reputation – Customers, clients, and investors love businesses that actually walk the talk when it comes to diversity and inclusion.

Better Decision-Making – Harvard Business Review found that diverse teams make better business decisions 87% of the time. Inclusive leadership means smarter choices and stronger results.

How to Keep DEI at the Heart of Your Workplace

Even with these policy shifts, businesses can still make DEI a priority by:

  • Making DEI part of company culture – Not just an HR initiative, but a core value.

  • Training managers and employees on unconscious bias & inclusion – Because education leads to real change.

  • Setting clear, measurable DEI goals – Keep leadership accountable.

  • Creating open conversations – Safe spaces for talking about race, gender, mental health, and workplace inclusion.

  • Investing in expert-led DEI training – Work with Sonny Side Up for interactive, drama-based DEI training that actually sticks.

Final Thoughts

No matter what’s happening at a government level, the business case for DEI training is stronger than ever. Companies that commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion will attract top talent, build better teams, and stay ahead of the game.

So, is your business ready to make real change? Let’s chat! www.sonnysideup.co.uk

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