As a dedicated employee of Fluence, I feel compelled to express my deep concern regarding recent decisions made by our HR department that undermine our commitment to diversity and inclusion. The termination of two long-standing Black women who led our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, only to be replaced by white women, is not just disheartening; it is a stark contradiction to the values we profess as a company.
Fluence has a mission to power the world, yet our organization does not reflect the rich diversity of that world. This latest decision has shaken my faith in our leadership and what we stand for. I believe that our workplace should be a beacon of inclusivity, where all voices are heard and valued, especially those from historically marginalized communities.
I cannot, in good conscience, recommend Fluence as a place of employment, particularly for Black individuals and, notably, Black women. Our company needs to take a hard look at its priorities and the message it sends with its actions.
Over the past few months, I have taken the initiative to educate myself on issues of race, class, and DEI. I strongly encourage my colleagues, especially those in HR, to engage in similar educational pursuits. A valuable starting point is the book *White Fragility*—it offers critical insights into the dynamics of race in the workplace.
It is time for Fluence to confront these uncomfortable truths and commit to fostering a genuinely inclusive environment. Let us not only talk about diversity but actively work towards it in every aspect of our company culture.
