*Coca-Cola cautioned that altering its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies could harm business.
In an annual filing, the company emphasized that maintaining an inclusive workplace is essential for its success. The soft drink manufacturer said business could be negatively impacted if it was “unable to attract or retain specialized talent or top talent with diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds.”
“Our diverse, high-performing global employee base helps drive a culture of inclusion, innovation and growth,” it said, per Business Insider. “We aspire to develop a global workforce with diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds that reflect the broad range of consumers and markets we serve around the world.”
Coca-Cola noted it remained committed to “providing access to equal opportunities and fostering belonging both in our workplaces and the local communities we proudly serve.”
The company said DEI efforts are “critical” to the company’s growth.
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Meanwhile, competitor PepsiCo has scaled back its DEI efforts in response to political pressure, particularly amid opposition from President Trump.
In January, Trump issued executive orders that ended federal diversity programs and placed DEI staffers on leave. Since then, a growing number of major companies have announced rollbacks of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
When asked if Coca-Cola would adjust its DEI policies in response to the executive order, the company’s chief financial officer, John Murphy, said the company was “focused on having the best talent around the world” but it would also “follow any change in regulations at the national level,” according to Bloomberg.
Per AXIOS, the companies that have abandoned or rolled back their DEI programs include: Amazon, Boeing, Jack Daniels maker Brown-Forman, Caterpillar, Ford, Harley-Davidson, John Deere, Lowe’s, beverage wholesaler Molson Coors and McDonald’s, Meta, Nissan, Stanley Black & Decker, Tractor Supply, Toyota and Walmart. The brands that have publicly defended their DEI policies include: American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Apple, Costco, and Delta.
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