US Companies Roll Back Flexible Work

A new study by Catalysis and New York University's School of Law's Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging suggests that while corporate America remains committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles, the infrastructure supporting these efforts is being dismantled. Companies are rolling back flexible workplace policies, such as remote work, flexible scheduling, and family leave, which research by Alexandra Kalev and Frank Dobbin indicates were more effective in promoting diversity than formal DEI programs. This shift, driven by a 'command-and-control' era post-pandemic, is intensifying headwinds for women and minorities, as evidenced by rising unemployment rates for Black workers and Black women in the United States. Companies like Deloitte and SBA Communications have notably scaled back benefits. Experts like Jason Schwartz suggest companies want to avoid returning to 1950s workplace styles, yet their actions contradict this sentiment by abandoning policies that made workplaces more accessible and diverse.