New report shows Americans 'overwhelmingly support' expansion of DEI initiatives
Despite the widespread withdrawal on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the United States, a new report has found that the majority of Americans want these measures to expand.
Data from MyPerfectResume revealed that 84% of employees believe that DEI efforts should expand, while only five per cent agree that they should be scaled back.
"The survey shows that employees overwhelmingly support expanding DEI initiatives," the report read. "Despite political pressures and corporate hesitations, robust DEI efforts are seen as vital to maintaining a positive workplace culture, retaining talent, and fostering long-term business success."
The massive support for DEI initiatives reflects employees' belief in the benefits of these policies. A previous MyPerfectResume survey recently found that 95% of employees say DEI initiatives have positively impacted their work experiences.
In fact, they reported increased leadership diversity, positive changes in company culture, and effective solutions for underrepresented employees.
These findings come in the wake of widespread withdrawal of US companies when it comes to DEI efforts. Some of the organisations that have announced changes to their DEI policies include Accenture, Harley-Davidson, McDonald's, Toyota, Walmart, among others.
US President Donald Trump, in one of his first orders, also placed on leave all federal employees in DEI offices as he put an end to such programmes.
Nearly seven in 10 respondents (69%) from MyPerfectResume believe that other companies will likely follow if large companies cut back on DEI.
And they believe that this cutback on DEI can have "serious internal consequences," according to the report.
Over 90% of the respondents said withdrawing DEI measures can have a negative impact on workplace culture, while 65% said it will lead to higher turnover.
Source: MyPerfectResume
"Employees clearly value DEI programs as they contribute to a more inclusive and supportive work environment, boosting both morale and retention," the report read. "Any rollback in these initiatives risks creating an environment where employees feel unheard and undervalued."
In the wake of growing pushback against DEI efforts, more than a quarter of the respondents cited various measures that employers can take to sustain and enhance their DEI initiatives. They are:
"Concrete actions such as bolstering employee resource groups, improving DEI communication, and enhancing leadership accountability are critical for maintaining and advancing DEI efforts," the report read.
