After a huge backlash John Deere plans to eliminate most of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, according to a press release from the company.
The company says it is refocusing on quality and customer trust, a decision that’s likely to ripple through the corporate world as DEI programs become increasingly controversial.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), John Deere emphasized its commitment to earning customer trust “every day and in every way we can.” Here’s what’s changing:
– No more company participation in social or cultural events
– Review of training materials to remove “socially motivated messages”
– Clarification that diversity quotas and pronoun use aren’t company policy
– Employee groups will now focus on professional growth and hiring
This shift comes after filmmaker Robby Starbuck’s report on John Deere’s DEI practices, which included funding pride events for young children and promoting identity-based groups at work.
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While not directly mentioning the report, John Deere said it’s “always listening to feedback and looking for opportunities to improve.”
Our customers’ trust and confidence in us are of the utmost importance to everyone at John Deere. We fully intend to earn it every day and in every way we can. pic.twitter.com/8BgyPyQJQo
— John Deere (@JohnDeere) July 16, 2024
The timing is noteworthy. John Deere recently announced about 610 layoffs across its Illinois and Iowa plants, effective August 30.
John Deere isn’t alone in ditching DEI programs.
Tractor Supply made a similar move in June, dropping DEI goals and ending sponsorship of events like Pride festivals. “We have heard from customers that we have disappointed them. We have taken this feedback to heart,” Tractor Supply stated.
For John Deere, this represents a back-to-basics approach. By focusing on quality, customer trust, and employee development, the company seems to be betting on what matters most to its core customers.
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This move by John Deere signals a potential shift back to a focus on common sense, core business functions and customer satisfaction over social messaging that alienates potential customers.