Microsoft has announced that it will not release a diversity and inclusion (D&I) report in 2025, ending a streak of annual reports that began in 2015. The company stated that it is moving toward new formats to communicate its inclusion initiatives, including stories, videos, and other dynamic content, rather than a traditional data-heavy report.
In 2024, Microsoft published a 44-page D&I report that included workforce demographics, pay comparisons across employee groups, and data on employee departures. That report was described by the company’s chief diversity officer as “our most global and transparent report to date” and marked the sixth consecutive annual global D&I report.
New Approach to Inclusion Reporting
Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s chief communications officer, explained that the company is evolving its reporting methods to focus on more accessible and engaging formats. In a statement to Game File, he said, “We are not doing a traditional report this year as we’ve evolved beyond that to formats that are more dynamic and accessible - stories, videos, and insights that show inclusion in action.” Shaw added that Microsoft’s commitment to its mission and company culture remains unchanged.
This shift comes alongside changes in Microsoft’s 2025 shareholder reports, which no longer include references to “diversity,” a term that had previously been emphasized in communications about the company’s workforce initiatives. Despite the absence of the traditional report, Microsoft continues to provide insights into employee trends and internal changes through alternative channels.
Implications for the Tech Industry
Microsoft’s decision reflects a broader trend in the tech sector, where companies are experimenting with ways to present workforce diversity and inclusion data beyond static annual reports. By focusing on narrative-driven and multimedia content, Microsoft aims to illustrate inclusion in a way that is more immediate and relatable to employees, stakeholders, and the public.
The company maintains that equity, inclusion, and employee empowerment remain key priorities, even as it changes the way it shares information about workforce demographics and initiatives.
Source: Game File
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Microsoft skipping its 2025 diversity and inclusion report?
Microsoft has stated that it is moving away from traditional reports in favor of more dynamic formats such as stories, videos, and other interactive content to showcase inclusion in action.
Did Microsoft publish a D&I report in 2024?
Yes, the company released a 44-page report in 2024 covering workforce demographics, pay comparisons, and employee departure data.
Has Microsoft’s focus on diversity and inclusion changed?
According to the company, its commitment to inclusion, equity, and employee empowerment remains unchanged, despite the shift in reporting format.
What does this mean for shareholders and the public?
While traditional D&I reporting will not be available, Microsoft continues to provide insights about workforce trends and internal initiatives through alternative channels and media formats.
How does Microsoft’s approach compare to other tech companies?
Microsoft’s shift reflects a broader industry trend of moving from annual, data-heavy reports to more accessible and narrative-driven approaches for communicating diversity and inclusion efforts, including in the web3 space.
