Businesses need to remain diligent in their diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts as layoffs continue, according to McKinsey senior partner Shelley Stewart. Stewart told CNBC that Black Americans have historically been disproportionately affected during economic downturns. Because Black workers are underrepresented in the tech industry, he said, they may not be hit disproportionately in that sector. Stewart encourages companies to continue their DEI efforts by working with diverse suppliers, saying partnering with diverse businesses is "the biggest lever that corporations have to directly impact society other than wages." "Inclusive growth is better for companies, better for society, better for our global economy and our domestic economy," he said.

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