Google is rethinking its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives after the company’s parent, Alphabet, said it would no longer set aspirational hiring goals for underrepresented groups. The move comes as the US government has introduced new guidelines limiting DEI efforts in federal contractors.
The shift was announced by Alphabet’s Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi in a memo, stating that Google will continue to hire from diverse backgrounds but would no longer aim to expand representation through specific targets. Instead, the company will focus on creating an inclusive environment where employees can thrive.
Google plans to maintain internal employee groups and collaborate with colleges and universities to build products that cater to its diverse user base. However, the company is also evaluating changes to its programs required by federal guidelines and recent court decisions.
This move comes as other major companies, including Meta and Amazon, are scaling back their DEI initiatives in response to regulatory shifts. The omission of a statement on Alphabet’s commitment to diversity from its latest SEC filing has also raised concerns about the company’s priorities.
Google had previously set ambitious goals for increasing representation among underrepresented groups, with CEO Sundar Pichai announcing a target of 30% of leadership coming from these groups by 2025. However, this goal was never met, and the company is now rethinking its approach to DEI efforts.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/3-answers-google-hr-head-gave-to-employees-in-memo-as-the-company-ends-diversity-hiring-goals/articleshow/118001657.cms