The Atlanta-based company has heightened their ambitious DEI goals
The Coca-Cola Company announced they are keeping diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives alive, saying it’s “good for our business,” while its rival, PepsiCo, dumps it, Business Insider reports.
An annual report confirms the beverage giant’s commitment to keeping an inclusive workplace while highlighting the harm that anti-DEI policies can do.
“Our diverse, high-performing global employee base helps drive a culture of inclusion, innovation, and growth,” the report read.
“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 admitted that a lack of DEI policies would make the company “unable to attract or retain specialized talent or top talent with diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds.”
PepsiCo’s announcement caught the attention of anti-DEI conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who praised the company while criticizing Coke. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, Starbuck took to X to claim the beverage company “should be very nervous about continuing with their woke policies.” However, Coca-Cola and its leadership members appear unfazed by such threats. Chief Financial Officer John Murphy said the company is “focused on having the best talent around the world.”
PepsiCo, headquartered in Purchase, New York, reevaluated DEI initiatives amid this ever-changing political climate. While stakeholders in both companies have an increased say in the company’s social responsibility, such decisions could influence its reputation and market position in the future.
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Source: Black Enterprise
