Race bias claims tied to drug test can go to jury, 11th Circuit says

Evidence showed an employer rehired a White employee but not two Black employees after firing all three for the same conduct, the court said.

By Laurel Kalser • Sept. 4, 2026

EEOC wants to end demographic reporting. Smart companies won’t stop measuring.

As the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission moves to end demographic data reporting, employers must decide if data collection is a matter of compliance or leadership, Catalyst leaders say.

By Jennifer McCollum and Laurie Henneborn • Sept. 2, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

A deep dive into DEI

Staying thoughtful and engaged regarding DEI topics — as well as listening to employees — can help employers meet goals and retain people.

By HR Dive staff

Black CFO representation falls 25% from 2021 peak as diversity levels off

The number of Black finance chiefs in Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies ticked down to 15 this year, according to a report from Crist Kolder Associates.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Aug. 27, 2026

Deloitte to pay $21.5M to settle claims its DEI programs violated federal civil rights law

“Government contractors cannot reward or penalize employees based on race or sex,” the attorney general said.

By Ginger Christ • Aug. 26, 2026

McKinsey data sought in congressional DEI probe

Brandon Gill, a Republican from Texas, decried McKinsey and Co.’s “heavy-handed” promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion practices through its oft-cited reports.

By Caroline Colvin • Aug. 26, 2026

Companies that roll back DEI don’t perform better financially, study says

“Large corporations appear to have folded under pressure for no financial gain,” a public policy scholar wrote.

By Caroline Colvin • Aug. 24, 2026

Women are significantly underrepresented in the AI workforce

The gender disparity is even more pronounced in the highest-paying jobs and top executive levels, according to research from LinkedIn.

By Lara Ewen • Aug. 21, 2026

Lowe’s lawsuit involving racist slurs to go to trial

HR professionals take heed: Derogatory name-calling at work, even from customers, can embroil employers in lawsuits.

By Caroline Colvin • Aug. 19, 2026

Week in review: When saying ‘please’ can lead to late turn-ins

We’re rounding up the top stories from last week, including a Zillow sales executive who alleged age discrimination due in part to insults such as “You’re too old to know this.”

By Kathryn Moody • Aug. 17, 2026

1 in 5 Gen Xers don’t think they’ll ever retire, study suggests

Rising costs and inflation have derailed the retirement plans of many workers, according to a Zety report.

By Caroline Colvin • Aug. 17, 2026

Bridging the employer chasm: How leading HR teams win in 2026

A widening workplace divide threatens culture and retention. Learn how top leaders are closing it — and where you can learn to do the same.

Aug. 17, 2026

‘Alienating and cruel’: EEOC files lawsuit against employer for segregating DEI training by race

This administration’s U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has been vocal about cracking down on DEI in the context of Title VII.

By Caroline Colvin • Aug. 13, 2026

Mile Hi Foods settles for $1.5M over alleged refusal to hire women, Black and Afghan workers

When the HR manager opposed the practices, Mile Hi unlawfully retaliated, harassing and ultimately discharging her, according to the complaint.

By Lara Ewen • Aug. 13, 2026

‘You’re too old to know this’: Zillow faces bias claim from White man

The complaint, which details age-based mockery, from songs in meetings to bald jokes, differs from other lawsuits in the “reverse discrimination” wave.

By Caroline Colvin • Updated Aug. 13, 2026

Employers need to have conversations about menopause, experts say

“First and foremost, we have to have a culture that fosters safety so that people feel safe to ask for the support that they need,” said Patty Borst from consultancy The Partners Group. 

By Ginger Christ • Aug. 6, 2026

Psychological safety at work may depend on the state of DEI outside of work

Whether a worker feels their community is inclusive affects how they show up at work, an Elon University report shows. 

By Caroline Colvin • Aug. 5, 2026

Class ceiling: What cultural background has to do with salary negotiation

A new study shows that social background factors into workers’ ability to negotiate — or not — and how HR professionals judge them.

By Caroline Colvin • Aug. 4, 2026

How will AI affect workplace accommodations?

“AI is busting down barriers,” said Julie Hocker, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy.

By Ginger Christ • Aug. 4, 2026

Can AI make the workplace more accessible?

In honor of the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary, a July report showcases the positive potential of artificial intelligence.

By Caroline Colvin • Aug. 3, 2026

Philadelphia DEI officer alleges she was fired for reporting a Black worker’s harassment

The officer also said she was forbidden to speak publicly about equity. 

By Caroline Colvin • July 30, 2026

Northwestern Mutual must fork over DEI data in EEOC probe of alleged failure to promote White worker

The company unsuccessfully claimed that the agency’s information requests were overbroad and too indefinite, according to a Wisconsin federal judge.

By Ryan Golden • July 29, 2026

Pulling back from DEI increases legal risk — and costs organizations qualified women

Gender equity researcher Amy Diehl offers eight pillars for HR to keep in mind regarding diversity and inclusion at work.

By Amy Diehl • July 29, 2026

The ‘average’ mind doesn’t exist: How work experts are thinking about neurodiversity

HR may need to bridge the gap when it comes to their workforce’s empathy and understanding for neurodiverse workers. 

By Caroline Colvin • July 22, 2026

In 2026, EEOC solidifies its lockstep with Trump’s anti-DEI agenda

This year, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has been prolific in its agenda-setting and enforcement plans regarding diversity, equity and inclusion at work.

By Caroline Colvin • July 15, 2026

Fair chance hiring better received by applicants when a moral case is made, study finds

Applicants often assign negative stereotypes to policies meant to expand opportunities to people with criminal histories, according to research published in the Journal of Management.

By Ryan Golden • July 15, 2026