human centered design & decision-making
Implement a human-centered design lens to developing an internal-facing Corporate Social Responsibility initiative targeting the rollback of DEI programs across the country
Consulting Team
Design Challenge
The rollback of DEI programs has resulted in a loss of trust, morale, and a sense of belonging, especially for historically excluded groups.
Our team is exploring a CSR initiative focused on rebuilding internal communities and restoring alignment in organizations that have recently rolled back or eliminated their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This issue has surfaced across multiple companies, and we see an opportunity to address the social and emotional fallout experienced particularly by employees from historically marginalized or underrepresented groups.
We plan to leverage both qualitative and quantitative data, employee interviews, surveys, exit data, and sentiment analysis, to uncover how the removal of DEI programs has impacted morale, retention, and workplace culture. We are especially interested in understanding what drives people to engage with or avoid DEI-related efforts, aiming to uncover patterns across roles and identities. By grounding the initiative in human-centered design and behavioral insights, we will co-create new inclusive pathways for belonging, purpose, and psychological safety across all levels of the organization.
Research and Design Deck
This initiative is envisioned as a grassroots movement (by the people, for the people) centered around rebuilding internal trust and inclusive practices from the ground up. While we are still finalizing the company, CitiBank has been one of the organizations we’ve discussed due to its global presence, complex workforce, and existing history with DEI programs. However, the initiative could be adapted across companies facing similar internal dissonance and public scrutiny around their DEI commitments. Ultimately, our goal is to catalyze a renewed culture of shared values and demonstrate that inclusion is not only an ethical commitment, but a strategic one that benefits the cohesion and longevity of the entire workforce.
Pitching the CSR initiative to the host company