DEI Archives - Veerless

Diverse group of smiling people with colorful background stripes.

August 11, 2026

Getting Innovative with Employee Resource Groups: The Stronghold of DEI Programming Globally

We have all witnessed the backlash and attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in recent years. I could write a book about how deeply I disagree with these concerns, but today is not the day for that post. Instead, I want to talk about a set of programs that, in many cases, were immune from the cuts happening in DEI in many companies – employee resource groups or ERGs.

As some companies cut chief diversity officer roles, retired public representation goals, withdrew from external indices, and scrubbed language off their websites, a strange thing happened. Most left their ERGs in tact. I chalk this up to the fact that most companies downsizing DEI really just downsized the D and E. Inclusion, and the importance of employee engagement largely remained apolitical.

An HR Brew analysis of 52 companies that changed DEI course in 2024/25 found only 11 made changes to their ERGs. Gravity Research found the same pattern: most ERGs are still running, with adjustments to how membership is described rather than whether the group exists at all. So let’s talk about ERGs: why they stayed above the fray and how innovation in these areas can strengthen the social impact pillar of your internal corporate responsibility work.

Marcy Twete

Minimalist design in black and white featuring 25

DEI, ESG, Sustainability

February 4, 2026

Veerless’ 2025 ESG Rewind: A Year of Recalibration

For sustainability professionals, January marked both the start of the new year and the one year mark of a new administration with outsized impact on the sustainability space as well. As we walk into the second month of 2026, the Veerless team took some time to look back at 2025 and the shifts in sustainability we all felt this past year.

It’s no secret that political pressure in the U.S. affected sentiment around ESG for companies both stateside and around the world. But as strong as that influence was, it certainly wasn’t the only global trend affecting our field. Evolving global rules, shifts in expectations around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and other social topics, and louder conversations about the role of business in today’s global environment forced many organizations to retreat and recalibrate. “Wait and see” became a common adage for internal leaders and consulting leaders alike.

Katie Yoder

Draped colorful scarves wrapped around tree trunk for prayer or decoration.

DEI, ESG, Friday 5 Faves

June 19, 2025

5 Faves: Nonprofits at the Intersection of Sustainability and LGBTQ+ Advocacy 🌿🏳️‍🌈

This June, we’re honoring Pride Month with a deeper look at the powerful ways LGBTQ+ voices are shaping a more sustainable and just future. Earlier this month, we celebrated 5 LGBTQ+ Owned Brands creating meaningful impact through ethical fashion, clean beauty, and planet-friendly coffee. This week, we’re continuing our Pride series with a spotlight on nonprofits that live at the intersection of environmental justice and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

These five organizations are building inclusive outdoor communities, fighting for climate resilience, and amplifying queer voices in sustainability movements. Their work is both bold and necessary — and it deserves our support not just during Pride Month, but all year long.

Marcy Twete

Vibrant rainbow-colored wooden pathway with illuminated strips creating an artistic tunnel effect.

DEI, ESG, Friday 5 Faves

June 6, 2025

5 Faves: LGBTQ+ Owned Brands 🌈

Pride Month is here, and while we believe in supporting LGBTQ+ creators, entrepreneurs, and voices year-round, June offers a special moment to spotlight the changemakers leading with purpose and pride. For this week’s Friday 5 Faves, we’re celebrating LGBTQ+ owned brands that not only bring authenticity and innovation to their industries, but also prioritize sustainability, equity, and community empowerment.

From gender-inclusive fashion to climate-conscious caffeine, these brands are reimagining what it means to build a business that’s both values-led and vibrant. Whether you’re refreshing your skincare shelf or sipping ethically sourced coffee, these five standouts deserve a spot in your everyday routine — this month and beyond.

Marcy Twete

DEI, Reporting

June 21, 2024

Veerless Favorites: Standalone DEI Reports

Producing an annual sustainability or ESG report has clearly become table stakes in major companies around the world. In the last five years or so, though, there has been an increase in the number of companies bifurcating their DEI results and communications from their larger ESG reports and producing standalone DEI-related reports. Check out our June episode on Table Stakes Podcast for our CEO’s take on the pros and cons of DEI reporting, and check out our favorite 5 DEI reports below.

Marcy Twete