Microsoft Drops Diversity and Inclusion as Core Criteria in Employee Reviews

Microsoft has removed diversity and inclusion as mandatory companywide priorities in employee performance evaluations, signalling a major shift from the commitments it amplified after the 2020 George Floyd protests, according to reports from The Verge and Game File.

The update, rolled out last month through Microsoft’s internal Connect system, eliminates required questions that previously asked employees to outline how their work contributed to a “more diverse and inclusive Microsoft.” These DEI-related prompts, along with similar security-impact questions, were once integral to annual reviews. The company announced the revision quietly via a Viva Engage post, describing it as part of a “simplification” of its core priorities—now simply called “goals.”

Adding to the changes, Wired reported that Microsoft will not release its annual diversity and inclusion report this year, ending more than a decade of public transparency on workforce representation. Chief Communications Officer Frank Shaw said the company is moving toward “more dynamic and accessible” storytelling formats, even as internal HR documents now refer only to “inclusion,” not “diversity.”

The policy shift comes after growing political pressure, including an executive order by former President Donald Trump targeting corporate DEI programs. Microsoft had already laid off its internal DEI team in July 2024, with the team lead reportedly noting that such initiatives were no longer considered “business critical” as they were in 2020.

Employee reactions to the latest rollback have been divided. Some workers told The Verge the initial DEI requirements always felt “performative,” while others saw the retreat as expected—especially after CEO Satya Nadella invited Elon Musk to speak at Microsoft Build, angering employee groups like GLEAM, which represents LGBTQIA+ staff and allies.

Despite these moves, Microsoft spokesperson Jeff Jones maintained: “Our D&I commitments remain unchanged. Our focus on diversity and inclusion is unwavering.”

Source: TOI