HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE RESEARCH:
We asked study participants to indicate the extent to which they agree with the statement that "our workforce is more diverse than it was years ago." Over half (54%) agreed with that statement, whereas just 14% disagreed. In short, most said their organizations have become more diverse, while few said they've become less diverse. Therefore, the need to manage D&I well has increased. The bad news, however, is that organizations still tend to have poorly developed D&I initiatives and only about half say that their workforces reflect the demographics of the marketplace. Moreover, the leadership ranks of most organizations still tend to lack significant diversity and inclusion.
The success of an organization's D&I program initiatives, of course, is largely dependent on how well initiatives are communicated and embraced by employees. The survey findings here suggest that, although many initiatives are executed, they are not well emphasized or implemented in most organizations. The least used initiative listed here are Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, which tend to be voluntary groups led by employees themselves. Employees join together based on shared characteristics or life experiences, and they represent an open forum where employees can network, support one another, share interests and concerns, and sometimes work on solutions to common problems.
To learn much more about The State of the Diversity and Inclusion 2018 survey and to get 9 key strategic takeaways from this exclusive HR.com industry research, please read the complete report here:
