McDonald’s Updates Diversity Practices: Focus Shifts to Inclusion and Business Growth

McDonald’s Updates Diversity Practices

McDonald’s is adjusting its approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), becoming the latest major corporation to revise its policies. In a statement released Monday, the global fast-food giant announced it would discontinue "aspirational representation goals" and instead prioritize embedding inclusion practices that align with business growth.

As part of the changes, McDonald’s will temporarily pause external surveys to concentrate on internal improvements. Additionally, the company is renaming its diversity team to the Global Inclusion Team and retiring the Supply Chain’s Mutual Commitment to DEI pledge. Instead, it plans to integrate discussions about inclusion directly into supplier relationships and business performance strategies.

This shift follows similar announcements by other major companies, including Walmart, which rolled back certain DEI policies in late 2024. The changes come amidst ongoing debates about how businesses approach diversity initiatives in evolving social and economic landscapes.

Despite the policy adjustments, McDonald’s emphasized its recent progress in fostering inclusivity. Over 30% of its U.S. leadership team now comes from underrepresented backgrounds, and the company reported a record number of diverse franchisee applicants in 2024. These milestones reflect McDonald’s commitment to inclusivity even as it reevaluates its strategies.

In its statement, McDonald’s underscored its dedication to maintaining a welcoming environment: “Everyone is welcome under our Golden Arches, and this broad-based appeal is why McDonald’s is one of the world’s most beloved brands. We’re proud of our culture and thank our team for upholding our values.”

The company’s pivot signals a broader trend among corporations to recalibrate their DEI strategies, focusing on integrating inclusivity into core business operations rather than standalone initiatives. As McDonald’s moves forward, it aims to balance inclusivity with business objectives to strengthen its global brand.