Disney Embraces 'Belonging' in New Employee Event Series Post-DEI Changes

Disney is launching its premiere 'Global Belonging Week' on Monday, marking a shift in its approach to workplace inclusion.

This inaugural event aims to foster a sense of belonging among employees with activities and talks running from October 20 to October 24. According to an email to employees, these sessions are crafted to inspire and galvanize.

Starting this Monday, Disney employees will have the opportunity to participate in lectures and activities aiming to illuminate the company's diverse culture and invigorate personal engagement, as noted by Business Insider.

The initiative follows substantial changes Disney made to its DEI framework earlier in the year, including the discontinuation of 'Reimagine Tomorrow,' a digital initiative that highlighted narratives from marginalized communities, which debuted in 2021.

The choice of words—'belonging' and 'inclusion'—omits previous mentions of 'diversity,' 'equity,' or 'DEI,' as these terms have attracted heightened scrutiny politically, especially during Donald Trump's second presidential term.

Workplace analyst Mita Mallick, who wrote 'Reimagine Inclusion,' explains this linguistic shift aligns with broader corporate trends favoring less politically charged terms like 'belonging' and 'culture.'

Companies now often avoid using 'diversity' and 'equity,' a notable deviation from earlier years when DEI programs were widely promoted.

Change in DEI Terminology

During the early 2020s, businesses readily adopted DEI initiatives. However, these programs now often present political challenges and even potential barriers in business dealings, as evidenced in the Skydance and Paramount merger.

Recent analysis by Gravity Research highlighted a 72% decline in DEI-related terminology usage by 2025, with a 98% decrease in the formal usage of 'DEI.'

In comparison, phrases such as 'diverse perspectives' and 'belonging' have also seen a reduction of 34% this year, parodying their earlier rise noted in 2024, and 53% of S&P 100 companies have modified their DEI expressions according to a study by The Conference Board.

Employee Perspective and Event Highlights

Some employees perceive Disney's DEI alterations as merely superficial. The planned Disney events will explore themes like the 'Art of Belonging,' with connections to Disney films such as 'Moana' and 'Encanto.'

The event lineup also includes an on-demand session named 'Belong & Thrive: The Joy of Intersectionality, Allyship & Inclusion.'

Schedule of Events for 'Global Belonging Week'

Each day features distinct highlights, with Monday's kickoff featuring prominent figures from Disney's leadership, while other days include various sessions and panel discussions.

Participants can also enjoy content that is accessible on demand, fostering greater engagement and participation at their own convenience.