Behind the drop: the dramatic fall of DEI
Cometrics has unique access to all communications from executives and companies, including LinkedIn.

Behind the drop: the dramatic fall of DEI

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been a major focus for corporations in recent years. However, new data suggests that companies are pulling back on their public DEI messaging, with some reducing their mentions by over 90%. We analyzed owned media communications from executives and companies, with a strong emphasis on LinkedIn.

Our recent analysis of DEI-related posts from six major corporations—Netflix, Deloitte, Accenture, Walmart, EY, and Philip Morris—shows a dramatic decline from 2023 to 2025:

  • Netflix: Down 86%, from 23 DEI-related posts in Aug 2023 to just 3 by Aug 2024.
  • Deloitte: Down 88%, from 92 posts in August 2023 to 11 in August 2024.
  • Accenture: Down 97%, from 64 posts in August 2023 to only 2 in August 2024.
  • Walmart: Down 94%, from 120 posts in August 2023 to only 7 in August 2024.
  • EY: Down 98%, from 45 posts in August 2023 to only 1 in August 2024.
  • Philip Morris: Down 82%, from 33 posts in August 2023, to only in 6 Aug 2024.
An example of a steep drop in DEI communications from Asif Sadiq's LinkedIn comms.

What’s Behind the Shift?

Several factors could be contributing to this drastic reduction in DEI-related content:

  1. Public and Political Backlash: Some DEI initiatives have faced withering criticism, with certain companies choosing a quieter approach to avoid controversy. 
  2. Changing Corporate Priorities: Companies may be shifting focus to other areas like AI, sustainability, or economic performance to show progress.
  3. Economic Pressures: Businesses might be cutting back on DEI programs due to cost-cutting measures amid economic uncertainty.
  4. Focus on Internal Actions Over Public Messaging: Some organizations may still be investing in DEI but choosing to communicate less about it externally given the potential negative impact.
  5. The perceived righteousness and sermonizing tone communicated around DEI initiatives could be polarizing and counter-productive for some.

What This Means for the Future of DEI

While fewer posts don’t necessarily mean companies are abandoning DEI efforts, it raises questions about long-term commitments. Is this a sign that corporate DEI initiatives are losing momentum, or are companies simply becoming more strategic in how they talk about them?

As organizations navigate the evolving landscape, it remains to be seen whether this decline in public DEI messaging will impact workplace culture and broader diversity efforts.

Track the state of DEI or other critical corporate issues as they play out live, in real time, with Cometrics.  We track communications alignment and dissonance, uncovering both opportunity and risk.