Amazon is taking significant steps to reassess its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as part of a comprehensive review of its programs. The company’s Vice President of Inclusive Experiences and Technology, Candi Castleberry, recently informed staff through an internal memo about the decision to halt some existing diversity and inclusion efforts. This move is aimed at winding down outdated programs and materials, with a target to complete this transition by the end of 2024.
In her note, Castleberry emphasized the importance of evaluating the effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) of hundreds of initiatives across the company. Amazon is focusing on identifying programs that demonstrate proven outcomes and discontinuing those that do not meet these criteria.
"Rather than have individual groups build programs, we are focusing on programs with proven outcomes – and we also aim to foster a more truly inclusive culture," – Candi Castleberry
Amazon's approach involves unifying various employee resource groups, such as those for Black, LGBTQ+, indigenous, and veteran employees, under one umbrella. The company is building programs that are accessible to all employees, reflecting its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. This restructuring aligns with Amazon's broader goal of creating a truly inclusive culture across its global operations.
The company has historically released annual data on the racial and gender composition of its workforce. Notably, in 2020 and 2021, Amazon set ambitious goals to double the number of Black employees in vice president and director roles. These efforts underscore Amazon's belief in the importance of diversity and its stance that inequitable treatment of anyone is unacceptable.
Amazon serves hundreds of millions of customers from globally diverse communities. As the nation's second-largest private employer, behind only Walmart, Amazon recognizes the need for a workforce that mirrors its customer base. This recognition drives its ongoing efforts to ensure its employee population reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
Kelly Nantel, an Amazon spokesperson, highlighted the company's commitment to transparency regarding its policies and programs. Amazon maintains a webpage titled "Our Positions," which outlines its stances on various policy issues.
"We update this page from time to time to ensure that it reflects updates we've made to various programs and positions." – Kelly Nantel
The company's current initiative to wind down outdated DEI programs follows a broader trend among tech companies to reassess their diversity efforts. This reassessment aims to focus on programs with measurable impact, ensuring that resources are directed towards initiatives that deliver tangible results.