Welcome back to a brand new series of HR Insights: The Podcast hosted by our CEO and Owner, Stuart Elliott.  We are excited to bring you another insightful series with both new and returning guests. We’re kicking off our first episode with audience favourite and long term friend of Elliott Scott HR, Sasha Scott. Sasha has two of the three most downloaded episodes of all time and is back to to talk about DEI in the corporate world, its decline amid cultural and economic challenges, SHRM’s decision to drop the E from DEI, the impact of the new government in the UK as well as reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent individuals. 

In today’s episode, Stuart and Sasha kick off the discussion with the decline of DEI within big organisations, whether that be due to budget cuts, impetus or internal initiatives. The pair examine recent headlines that question the future of DEI and whether companies are quietly withdrawing their commitments. Sasha also speaks of the demonisation of the acronym as the world becomes more polarised and the way in which DEI has often become a scapegoat for corporate failure.

The discussion then moves on to how evolving government regulations and economic pressures will shape the future of DEI roles and initiatives. The decline of the job market for DEI professionals is highlighted and the increasing need for comprehensive DEI strategies to be implemented within organisations. Amid the SHRM’s decision to drop Equity from its DEI framework, Sasha expresses her frustrations as well as the pressing need to understand equity versus equality. 

Finally, Stuart and Sasha look ahead to how the new UK government might influence business accountability and inclusion, the potential for increased regulation and the positive changes expected in the DEI landscape. With a focus on psychological safety, Sasha highlights the importance of including neurodivergent individuals and the broader implications for workplace culture. 

Sasha Scott is the CEO and Founder of Inclusive Group and is considered an expert in her field; she has appeared on the BBC and has been published in multiple newspapers. She understands the commercial drivers behind reducing bias within the workplace and the critical need to promote and sustain an inclusive workplace culture.

Key Timestamps:

• 00:30 – A warm welcome back to Season 7
• 02:40 – Intro to Sasha Scott 
• 06:50 – The decline of DEI amid cultural and economic challenges
• 11:25 – Laws banning/limiting DEI initiatives 
• 12:40 – Quiet Quitting
• 15:30 – Job cuts in TA
• 17:15 – SHRM’s decision to drop the E from DEI 
• 26:42 – The New government in the UK and its impact 
• 30:16 – Toxicity in the workplace 
• 35:25 - Economic pressures putting strain on DEI
• 37:56 – Neurodiversity and making reasonable adjustments 

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