Happy Friday, HR Champs! 😎 DEI isn’t dead — it’s just evolving. As we head into the weekend, let’s talk about the future of inclusion, equity, and why “belonging” isn’t just for brunch plans…

On the agenda: 

👊 DEI response: How leading teams are adjusting…
💵 Gender pay shift: The revealing shift in who reports the pay gap.
😊 20+ HR templates: For better workforce management.

THE HR SPOTLIGHT

DEI Response: How Leading Teams Are Adapting Strategies

Despite headlines suggesting that DEI is “over,” HR pros know better. It’s not disappearing — it’s transforming. And the future? It’s smarter, more strategic, and built on belonging.

What’s ahead:

DEI is going beyond buzzwords:

• Nearly six in 10 — either oppose DEI rollback efforts or are unsure about them.

• DEI is shifting from compliance to culture — think everyday actions, not just annual workshops.

• Companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 25% more likely to outperform financially 📈.

• More leaders are tying DEI to innovation, retention, and even customer satisfaction.

The push back:

• JPMorgan Chase embeds inclusion into talent management and leadership development.

• Costco provides membership perks to underrepresented employees.

• McDonald's transitioned its "Diversity Team" to the "Global Inclusion Team but remains committed.

• Walmart has replaced "DEI" with "Belonging," adjusting its language to align with evolving external landscapes.

What can HR do? 

• Audit your DEI efforts — what’s performative vs. what’s impactful?

• Use real metrics. Vanity stats doesn’t cut it anymore.

• Create ERGs with purpose, not just pizza 🍕

🎯 Want more practical strategies and proof DEI initiatives help? Explore the DEI programs that boost morale & productivity »

FRIDAY’S STEAL

20+ Excel Templates for Better HR & Workforce Management

Unlock the full potential of your HR department with our 20+ HR Analytics Excel Template Collection — ideal for HR professionals looking to streamline processes and make data-driven decisions. 

With our HR Analytics Templates collection, you'll be able to:

• ​Enhance your HR reporting, making it easier to present actionable insights to leadership

• ​Drive strategic decision-making with data-backed evidence, enabling smarter, more informed choices that positively impact your organization’s growth and results.

• ​Streamline workforce management, improving both productivity and engagement.
  

This community promo ends April 27 — midnight EST.

TREND WATCH

The Revealing Shift in Who Reports the Gender Pay Gap

FT - Both men and women are finally just as likely to confirm gender pay gap figures, as responsibility passes from CEOs to HR.

This year, the gender gap in who reports the gender pay gap data closed for the first time. After years of mostly men being responsible for the data, women are now equally as likely to sign on official submissions about the issue.

2017 - The first year of mandatory gender pay gap reporting, the typical person listed as responsible for approving the pay gap figures was a senior leader, such as the CEO or another director. 

2024 - HR personnel were the most common employees overseeing the function. Over two-fifths of employers tasked HR staff with giving the seal of approval to pay gap figures, up from a third in 2017.

Read the full details on this development in gender pay gap reporting »

🆕 Microsoft Launches People Skills in Copilot — The software giant continues to revolutionize the HR tech market... [Microsoft]

🏃 Gen Z Employees Leaving Faster Than Ever — A look at HR’s generational crisis. [Economic Times]

🔄 HR Should Seek a DEI ‘Refresh’ — Top EEOC official says no to reboot. [HR Dive]

🙏 Uncertain Times? HR Can Help Maintain Trust — Strategic actions for HR leaders. [PersonnelToday]

HR WISDOM

Diversity in the Workplace: Top Benefits and Strategies

Despite having received their fair share of backlash (and these days, what hasn’t?), diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have been proven to be beneficial for both employees and employers alike.

Numerous studies have uncovered the benefits of such efforts on an individual and collective level.

• It increases innovation

• It improves problem-solving

• It improves decision making

• And more…

See the benefits & strategies of workplace diversity »

WEEKLY HR GOODY

HR Compliance CHECKLIST

With HR compliance needing a lot of attention and work from many different stakeholders, it can be challenging to stay on top of what’s needed. Below is a handy, fillable or printable 10-point checklist to support you in sustaining HR compliance in 2025.

BREAKROOM