Part 8/10:
The impact of the pandemic has altered the corporate landscape, causing companies to revert back to pre-pandemic norms. Remote work initiatives allowed businesses to tap into more diverse talent pools, but as many organizations transition back to in-person work, previous progress made in hiring diverse candidates has started diminishing. Experts suggest that a return to traditional operational frameworks has stymied the momentum gained through DEI initiatives over the prior years.
As the economy faces challenges, hiring practices emphasize gut feelings and familiarity over diversity. The message is clear: employers are prioritizing those who are seen as "contributing" and aligning with the workplace's ethos over those who may be untested or newly hired.