On July 1st, 2024, Microsoft announced the layoff of its Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) team, raising concern on company’s long-standing commitment to inclusion. Media reported an email sent by D&I leader stated ‘D&I program no longer business critical’ framing the decision as shift in business priorities.

Microsoft has been a forerunner in addressing visible and invisible disabilities, publishing diversity reports since 2019 and taking data-driven D&I initiatives. The layoff decision has triggered internal as well as external scepticism on company’s long-lived legacy. Company found itself on crossroads – whether to reinstate a dedicated D&I team or replace it with an alternate plan. After this fiasco, the Chief Diversity Officer was asked to present a plan on - How to optimize D&I representation and participation to strike a balance between people and performance in long-run?