‘DEI is not just a trend' – How organisations can reframe the push back against diversity
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'When it comes to DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), it's important to recognise that it's not just a trend, it's not a habit. It can't just be a one-off initiative,' said Dr Mamobo Ogoro, a psychologist as well as CEO and founder of GORM.
Ms Ogoro set up GORM, a consultancy and social media platform, in order to help educate organisations about diversity in the workplace.
She says businesses need to respond now against the new sentiment against DEI policies, given that Ireland has an increasingly diverse workforce.
'Rather than push back, businesses need to counter the growing scepticism around DEI. The first step is to acknowledge that the scepticism exists, and that it comes with fear, misconception, and sometimes even fatigue,' she said.
'DEI affects all of us. It shapes how we relate to each other in the workplace. It's important to understand that DEI isn't about taking anything away. It's about ensuring everyone has a fair chance to participate, thrive, and engage meaningfully in their work.'
Ms Ogoro believes that businesses need to learn about 'intercultural competence' in order to maintain their DEI policies, following the global backlash against it, which started in America around the re-election of president Donald Trump.
'Intercultural competence is the ability to engage confidently across cultural differences. It strengthens organisational leadership, builds trust, and promotes cohesion in diverse work environments,' she said.
'We have to acknowledge the historical inequities that certain communities have faced – that's why the focus often sits there. The way to do this is strategically, through internal and external communication within the company and by building cultural competence between communities and groups within the organisation.'
GORM has worked with companies including PTSB and EY to launch a Unified Business Programme (UBP) which aims to train companies to promote DEI policies.
The company said it designed UBP as a response to anti-immigration protests in Ireland, and says it wants to build a sense of unity into daily processes, teams, and workspaces.
'It's important to identify the push back, and to reframe it. Reframing means understanding that DEI is fundamentally about fairness, not just for one group, but for everyone,' said Ms Ogoro.
'It's about creating a workplace where each person has an equal opportunity to participate, contribute, and do their best work.
'When businesses get this right, the results speak for themselves. Countless studies show the positive impact of DEI, not just on internal culture, but on market performance too.'
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