If DEI Programs Aren’t Effective, What Is?

This HBR IdeaCast interview discusses the ongoing debate surrounding meritocracy versus DEI initiatives in the workplace. The guests, Iris Bohnet and Siri Chilazi, argue that focusing on fairness—building it into daily practices like hiring and promotions—is more effective than standalone DEI programs. They advocate for data-driven approaches to identify and address systemic inequalities, suggesting goals like proportionality in promotions to ensure equal opportunity. The podcast concludes by emphasizing that fairness should be a core competency integrated into all aspects of work, not just an HR function, and offers practical advice for organizations of all sizes. One example cited is a simple sentence addition to rejection emails that significantly improved female reapplication rates.