Scottsdale, Arizona — WorldatWork’s “Trends in DEI Practices and Policies” shows an across-the-board increase in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) actions.
More than eight in 10 (83%) of the 656 responding organizations say they have been taking action on DEI initiatives in 2021, a 13 percentage-point increase from 2020. Of those 83%, 29% said they took their first action on DEI initiatives during the past 12 months. Nearly all (97%) of those DEI-active organizations have an established DEI strategy (56%) or are actively working on one (41%).
One question asked about activity in 11 DEI areas with respondents indicating a “high level” of increased activity in seven of those areas from 2020 to 2021.
The impact of those DEI actions can be seen in responses from employees. The WorldatWork study also included a survey of 303 full-time business professionals via the Schlesinger Group panel online. The numbers from those employees included:
The overwhelming employee agreement with those last two statements represent two key goals for a successful DEI program — the ability to honestly talk about diverse backgrounds and the feeling of inclusion and respect.
“Such an endorsement by employees is very positive,” said Deirdre Macbeth, Content Director, at WorldatWork. “It shows organizations are not just saying the right thing but actually doing the right thing.
“We are seeing organizations take action in variety of areas to address workplace equity — policies toward inclusion, training programs in place, equitable career advancement and development opportunities, expanding benefits offerings (for a diverse workforce) and performance management with metrics for managers tied to DEI initiatives.”
Sample Findings:
About the Study
WorldatWork invited its broader membership and customer base to participate in an electronic survey on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in workplaces. A total of 656 responses were received, representing organizations of different sizes and across multiple industries. WorldatWork also obtained responses from 303 full-time business professionals via the Schlesinger Group panel online. The sample was sourced primarily based on gender, age and political identification. Email invitations were sent directly to participants on June 28, 2021, and results were collected during a 24-day period. Sample sizes vary by question. A weight was applied to party affiliation on the employee sample to ensure representation.
About WorldatWork
WorldatWork is the leading global nonprofit organization for professionals engaged in the critically important practice of total rewards. We serve those who are responsible for cultivating inspired, engaged, productive, and committed workers in effective and rewarding workplaces. We guide them in the design and delivery of total rewards programs with our education and certification; idea exchange; thought leadership; knowledge creation; information sharing; research; advocacy; and networking.