A new consultancy called Inversity Solutions has emerged recently, rethinking traditional diversity programming and arguing that overemphasis on identity groups can alienate everyone at companies, especially employees of color. Their approach is focused on creating a sense of belonging. Some critics argue that addressing belonging focuses too much on making white people comfortable rather than tackling systemic inequities within companies. However, others argue that equity in the workplace cannot be realized if the people in power, who are often straight white males, feel excluded from the diversity conversation. As a result, 'belonging' campaigns have emerged within DEI initiatives to encourage workers to bring their whole selves to work and acknowledge how traditional DEI programs have not been entirely successful.
See "Some companies are rethinking their diversity initiatives, focusing on creating sense of belonging within the conversation about DEI", Jennifer Miller, New York Times, May 15, 2023