Major Tech Companies Reduce DEI-related Jobs and Resource Groups in 2023: Report

Last Updated on December 28, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Decline in DEI Programs at Tech Giants Google and Meta Raises Concerns

In a shocking turn of events, tech giants Google and Meta have witnessed a significant decline in their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the year 2023. These observations have raised concerns among industry experts and advocates who have been striving for greater DEI representation in the corporate world.

The decline in DEI initiatives is substantiated by data from job site Indeed, which reveals a staggering 44% decrease in DEI-related job postings compared to previous years. Notably, November 2023 witnessed a 23% drop in DEI job postings compared to the same month in prior years, highlighting a concerning trend.

Even more alarming is the fact that layoffs at Google and Meta not only affected regular employees, but also individuals in leadership positions within Black employee resource groups. This development has prompted questions about whether these companies are truly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within their ranks.

The severity of the cuts in DEI initiatives throughout 2023 is particularly striking when compared to the surge in such programs witnessed in the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter protests and riots just three years ago. At that time, tech companies, including Google and Meta, had made public commitments to promote diversity and inclusion in their workplaces.

Both Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg publicly pledged to improve support for Black workers in 2020. However, the recent layoffs and reductions in DEI budgets have cast doubt on the authenticity of these commitments.

While Meta has stated that the company remains committed to its DEI initiatives, other technology giants like Amazon have echoed this sentiment, asserting that their DEI priorities have not wavered. It remains to be seen whether these assurances will translate into meaningful actions to address the current decline in DEI programs.

The wave of job cuts observed in the tech industry throughout 2023 is not limited to Google and Meta. Industry heavyweights such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Google-parent Alphabet have also undertaken significant workforce reductions, collectively impacting thousands of employees.

In May 2023, Meta made headlines as it cut over 10,000 jobs. Microsoft, on the other hand, announced the elimination of 10,000 positions in January. Amazon’s largest workforce reduction to date resulted in the layoff of over 18,000 employees. Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, followed suit, cutting 12,000 jobs.

As the year draws to a close, the decline in DEI programs at tech giants like Google and Meta raises broader concerns about the industry’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce. Stakeholders await tangible actions to ensure that these recent setbacks are not indicative of a long-lasting trend.