Inclusion work is at a defining moment—and Catalyst is here to help

AP

By  Alixandra Pollack

Right now, companies around the world are operating in an increasingly complex—and often polarized—landscape, especially amidst anti-“DEI” sentiment in the US. As someone who works closely with global corporate leaders, I know how overwhelming this moment can feel.

But I also know this: We’ve been here before. Not in this exact form, but we’ve faced turning points that have challenged us to evolve. At Catalyst, we’re helping companies meet this moment with strategy, clarity, and a deep commitment to values. Here’s a snapshot of the work we’ve been doing—and what we’re seeing in the field.

Inclusion work is a journey—and we’re in a defining moment

Progress toward more inclusive workplaces has never been linear. Over the years, we’ve expanded our understanding of gender, embraced intersectionality, and welcomed men into conversations from which they were once excluded. We’ve adapted to a more global and digital workforce, demanding new levels of cultural and technological fluency.

We’ve also watched the pendulum swing—from the global reckoning following the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor to the recent US executive actions challenging corporate “DEI” efforts. And we know that swing will continue.

Despite political headwinds, many companies are choosing to stay the course—with focus and intention. While some are pausing or re-evaluating their inclusion efforts, others are doubling down on inclusion as a business and cultural imperative.

Catalyst is bringing clarity amid the noise

At Catalyst, we’re helping companies cut through uncertainty with cutting-edge research and real-time insights from our global Supporters. We're offering exclusive visibility into how organizations are navigating this complex landscape—what’s working, what’s shifting, and what’s next.

We’re creating powerful community spaces—confidential forums where executives can connect with peers facing similar challenges—and providing actionable tools and learning solutions that help leaders keep progress moving forward.

As we outline in our CEO action framework, organizations are generally responding in one of three ways:

  • Fight: Hold firm on their approaches, with a degree of vocal visibility.

  • Flight: Broadly pull back or pause initiatives altogether.

  • Finesse: Adjust—across policies, programs, and communication tactics—without compromising values.

The “finesse” approach is the most common, as companies seek to adapt without losing sight of the business imperative for inclusion. This often means reframing strategies to clearly align with business outcomes and cultural values—while staying true to the inclusive environments they aim to create.

To support this work, we’ve developed the Values, Open, Close (VOC) Framework to help companies embed inclusion into their business strategy by:

  • Staying true to organizational values.
  • Ensuring open access to opportunities.
  • Actively closing systemic gaps.

This framework has proven especially helpful for global organizations balancing the US anti-“DEI” headwinds with pro-inclusion contexts across regions. In our work with Fortune Global 500 companies across EMEA and APAC, we see inclusion strategies advancing in bold, values-driven ways.

For Catalyst Supporters, our rapidly developed solutions and insights to meet this moment go even deeper with tools like assessment guides to review your policies with legal teams; VOC training and implementation resources; and FAQs to help answer employee concerns.

In times of pressure, go back to the basics

Amid competing pressures—legal risk, employee trust, brand integrity—strong communication is non-negotiable. Leaders must “talk the walk,” clearly articulating what they’re doing and why. And for the companies we work with most closely, Catalyst offers exclusive tools like our Executive talking points and Scenario planning toolkit, designed to help navigate high-stakes conversations with confidence.

If you're feeling the pressure, you're not alone. When in doubt, return to what we know works:

In fact, our research shows that when leaders consistently demonstrate empathy—by showing care, concern, and understanding—high innovation increases more than fourfold, and deep engagement more than doubles. It’s especially critical for creating workplaces that work for women, but the benefits reach everyone.

The business case for inclusion hasn’t changed

Despite the headlines, the data is consistent: Inclusive companies are more innovative, more resilient, and better positioned to attract and retain top talent.

That’s not just theory—we see it every day in our work with companies around the world.

This defining moment doesn’t call for being reactionary. It calls for strategic leadership.

At Catalyst, we’re here to help you not just weather this moment, but to lead through it for sustained success. Let’s keep evolving, together.

Looking for more?

Here’s a curated list of Catalyst resources to help you navigate the current landscape. If you're not already a Supporter, learn more about how to join our thriving global community.