After several years of emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, many organizations are now moving away from these initiatives.

One of the goals of these programs was to unify employees. Unfortunately, by focusing on demographic factors, many DEI programs ran the risk of accentuating differences rather than highlighting what we have in common as humans. This could have unintended consequences of further dividing employees into groups rather than uniting them.

So, what's something that all humans have in common? Something that could truly unite all employees? The answer is our need for human connection.

In a recent article published by SmartBrief on Leadership, Connection Culture Group's Michael Stallard outlined why replacing DEI programs with programs designed to cultivate a culture of connection can ultimately be more effective. This approach intentionally develops positive bonds among people, fostering collaboration, cooperation, employee engagement, strategic alignment, innovation, better decision-making, agility, adaptability and overall superior performance.

If your organization is asking "what's next?" after DEI, we hope this article sparks some ideas to guide the discussion.