Microsoft has confirmed that it will not publish its traditional diversity and inclusion report for 2025. The company has been publishing a comprehensive report covering developments in this field every year since 2019. However, it was noteworthy that this year, the report in question was not published between October and November.
Answering the questions of Game File’s Stephen Totilo on the subject, Microsoft Communications Director Frank Shaw stated that the company is now moving away from the classic report format. “We will not be producing a traditional report this year because we have moved to more dynamic and accessible formats: stories, videos, and insights that show inclusivity in action,” Shaw said in a statement. However, Shaw also emphasized that the company remains committed to its culture and values.
Microsoft follows the trend in big tech giants
This decision by Microsoft is considered as part of a broader trend observed in large technology companies recently. During Donald Trump’s new term in office in the USA, a clear opposing attitude towards diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) initiatives was adopted in government institutions and the private sector. Trump issued executive orders to withdraw DEI policies in public institutions, while also encouraging the private sector to take steps in this direction. The effect of this political atmosphere is also reflected in technology giants. While Meta announced that it was ending its DEI programs earlier in the year; Google also announced that it will no longer set hiring targets to increase representation in its workforce.
While there were sections devoted to diversity targets in the shareholder reports prepared by Microsoft in previous years, the fact that no information on this issue was included in two different shareholder reports for 2025 shows that the company no longer prioritizes DEI initiatives. However, in the statement, it is stated that these studies have not been completed completely, but are only continued with different content methods. However, the absence of a traditional report makes it difficult for the public to monitor concrete data, especially on pay equality, employee diversity and inclusion targets.
In addition to all this, technology companies’ reduced transparency regarding DEI has been met with criticism from non-governmental organizations and investor groups. These groups argue that restricting diversity policies to internal communications alone makes it difficult to measure real improvements. The fact that companies do not share their progress with external stakeholders also weakens accountability in this area. On the other hand, although the use of different and more accessible formats may seem like a positive development, it may be difficult for these contents to create sustainable effects unless concrete and regular data are presented.