A majority of Americans across nearly all demographic groups said DEI initiatives have made no impact on their personal careers, according to a newly released Harris Poll/Axios Vibes survey.
Why it matters: Republican lawmakers and activists have vilified DEI, a term for diversity, equity and inclusion policies used by employers. Companies have responded by rolling back programs.
- Yet Americans — and businesses — have a generally positive to at least indifferent view on the subject.
- On balance, most demographic groups were more likely to say DEI benefited their career than hindered it.
I am actually surprised there has been so little corporate pushback on DEI because it is good for business.
Having a diverse workforce means you can better address the needs and desires of a diversity of customers. You’re a lot likelier to get Latino customers if you have people of Latino heritage around to let them know what might work and what will almost certainly not.
Never underestimate the degree to which corporate management believes that they already do everything they need to and have no blind spots, or how much they resent any cost which is not directly revenue-generating.
But that’s my point. DEI generates more revenue because it broadens customer bases.
WFH also increases revenue, yet most companies are doing RTO
RTO is about power and control. People who work from home realize that work is just a part of life. There are pros and cons to both office and home working situations, but corporate mandates are not based on what is best or most efficient. It’s about who chooses their working style.
Ahh, but they are already convinced that they have the best people to broaden their customer base because those are the people they picked, and therefore there is no need to spend any money on staff and initiatives to tell them they are wrong, when that money is better spent on bonuses and marketing. Business nerds at Wharton may spot some general trends, but they don’t know Company X, which has the best management team ever assembled.
Being in enterprise IT I’m intimately familiar with this mindset.
I think the places that believe in it are telling that to their employees on the regular, just not boasting about it more broadly so they don’t become a lightning rod.
A lot of folks firmly believe fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture is ultimately good for your business. Aside from the points you and others have made about being able to attract more diverse customers, it also fosters an environment where people from different backgrounds can freely present their thoughts and opinions ultimately resulting in your company running better.
Compared to say Twitter where the opinion of only one white racist male matters, and I’m sure folks who used to feel inspired at work now feel trapped, unappreciated, and unable to truly innovate.
i hated DEI at my old company because i was forced to berate someone in class while standing in front of the class. i would have gotten reprimanded/fired if i did not complete the course, and this was required for the course.
at my current conpany, i understand why DEI is important. fuck my old company. it was the worst.