'Employee support for corporate DEI policies and programs has stayed strong'
More than three-quarters of U.S. workers say they are committed to helping their employers fight racism and injustice.
And almost 80 per cent say it is important for their company to be an inclusive organization, according to a recent report.
These numbers remain high dispute the recent backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in workplaces in the U.S., reports talent strategy firm Seramount.
“Many companies launched concerted DEI initiatives, especially in recent years, and employees’ support for these efforts remains high,” says Subha Barry, president of Seramount. “It is remarkable that employee support for corporate DEI policies and programs has stayed strong despite efforts by some to marginalize or eliminate all things DEI-related.”
Pushback against DEI leads to declines
There has been plenty of pushback south of the border when it comes to DEI initiatives, which seems to be making a dent on commitment.
Specifically, employee support for helping their employers fight racism and injustice broadly within their companies is still robust (76 per cent) but declined from 83 per cent in 2021, according to Seramount’s survey of 3,000 hourly to executive employees of large US businesses.
In the new survey, support is highest among executives (90 per cent) and lowest (69 per cent) among hourly workers.
“DEI backlash does not just imperil employees subjected to racism but anyone who faces barriers to participating fully in our organizations and the broader economy,” says Shane Lloyd, chief diversity officer at advisory, tax, and assurance firm Baker Tilly, the lead survey sponsor.
“This research elucidates that almost everyone, regardless of geography, political affiliation, race, or ethnicity, deeply cares about fostering workplaces where anyone can thrive. We must hold steadfast to that goal.”
Here’s how to avoid “cultural tax” of DEI initiatives, according to a previous report.
How effective are employers’ DEI programs?
There is still a long way to go to achieving DEI success in the workplace, based on numbers from Seramount:
- Two-thirds of workers have experienced microaggression at work, including 54 per cent who say they are seen as less competent or valued than other workers and 32 per cent who say they are not fully included in activities, such as high-profile projects, important meetings, or office social events.
- Also, less than a quarter (24 per cent) of employees say they always feel psychologically safe at work. Just 38 per cent say they usually feel safe, and eight per cent never feel psychologically safe on the job.
“While many companies have sustained their progress with DEI in the past three years, there is significant work still to be done,” says Barry. “The good news is that employees, for the most part, are more aware of inequities and remain committed to DEI efforts.”
There is rampant discrimination against Black and racialized employees at Canada’s Privy Council Office (PCO), according to a recent report.
Overall, Black and racialized employees cited dozens of examples of racial stereotyping, microaggressions and verbal violence against them, according to an internal report by Rachel Zellars, who is working with the federal service in the implementation of the recent call to action on anti-racism, equity, and inclusion in the Federal Public Service.
