Strategic workforce planning cannot only be about optimising workforce potential – it should be about building a resilient, adaptable workforce capable of navigating future uncertainties. This includes understanding the potential impacts of policy changes on talent management.

Continuing shifts in DEI landscape has refined how businesses report on transformation elements. The January 2025 Forbes article¹ highlighted a critical concern for workforce stability: Project 2025. One of the key actions proposed by Project 2025, a blueprint adopted by the U.S government, is the eradication of DEI programs in federal agencies. This has included eliminating offices, staff positions, and training programs dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion. Project 2025 signals a significant divergence, with many global markets strengthening DEI standards.

For global businesses, this isn’t just a political issue—it’s a strategic one. While stripping away DEI programs might be seen as a minor operational cost-saving, the action could significantly increase unemployment rates among diverse talent pools and undermine the very foundation of a strong workforce.

Companies must engage in strategic workforce planning that both safeguards current DEI efforts and has robust preparedness measures for potential future policy challenges, to ensure a competitive advantage that fosters a truly equitable work environment.

In the face of uncertainty, a commitment to DEI is the main strategic advantage for a future-proof workforce.

_{Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/solangecharas/2025/01/19/dei-under-threat-the-workforce-risks-of-project-2025s-policies/}