Following in Google’s footsteps, tech consultancy firm Accenture has revealed plans to discontinue its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This move signals a larger change in corporate practices to conform with recent executive orders issued by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Accenture CEO Julie Sweet affirmed the company’s decision to drop gender quotas and other DEI efforts in an internal memo distributed to staff members on Friday morning. The ruling is consistent with Trump’s DEI crackdown, which prohibits federal agencies in the United States from collaborating with private enterprises that uphold such policies. The action attempts to guarantee that Accenture Federal Services, which wins government contracts worth billions of dollars, will continue to be qualified for future work.
Sweet stressed that while the policy change is directly related to adhering to Trump’s executive order, it would be implemented globally, with modifications made to accommodate local regulations and market demands.
According to Sweet in the memo circulated to all employees, she stated, “We have used this moment to reflect on how best to move forward and be an even stronger company – making updates that allow us to be an even better employer for all our people, and even more successful in the market.”
Important adjustments include ending career development programs catered to particular demographic groups, halting participation in external diversity benchmarking surveys, and doing away with global staff representation targets. Nonetheless, in accordance with regional laws, Accenture will keep filing reports to Australia’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).
“We are and always have been a meritocracy,” Sweet asserted. “We are and always have been committed to an inclusive, merit-based workplace free from bias, and a culture in which all our people are respected, feel a sense of belonging, and have equal opportunity.”
The decision has raised concerns among DEI proponents, despite Accenture’s insistence that it will adhere to fairness norms. In order to comply with Trump’s directives while continuing diversity initiatives, some U.S. companies are rebranding DEI initiatives under new names like “employee experience” or “culture transformation,” according to Sarah Liu, managing director of the international DEI consulting firm TDC Global.
The action was taken barely one day after Google revealed comparable DEI policy modifications. But not all multinational corporations are doing the same. Despite the political situation in the United States, PwC and KPMG’s Australian divisions reaffirmed their dedication to diversity and inclusion initiatives.
“At PwC Australia, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our values and business performance,” PwC Australia’s Chief People Officer Karen Lonergan stated, emphasizing that diverse perspectives drive better outcomes.
The idea of reversing its DEI initiatives was likewise rejected by KPMG Australia, whose representative stated, “We remain committed to creating an environment where everyone can be successful.”
Financial companies including JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Citi are closely examining their practices as a result of the consequences from Trump’s DEI crackdown. Some businesses have taken a cautious stance, but others have reiterated their dedication to diversity without flagrantly disregarding federal regulations.
Accenture’s choice marks a turning point for multinational corporations juggling their promises to workplace diversity with political and regulatory complications. The future of corporate inclusion is still unclear in a changing political environment as more businesses evaluate their DEI policies.
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