We launched our 2024 Inclusion Barometer with a live virtual launch webinar and NYC executive breakfast that collectively engaged over 700 leaders. Special thanks to all who participated, our partners at the National Diversity Council and Seyfarth Shaw LLP and to the incredible leaders who shared their wisdom and perspective on the future of DEI: Sara Porritt, Stephanie La Rue, Esq. Francesca Donner, Jennifer Brown, Singleton Beato, Lavita McMath Turner, Ph.D. You can access the full 2024 Inclusion Barometer and watch our webinar here and we’ve included highlights from the discussions below.
Here are some highlights from the discussions:
1. Steadfast Commitment to DEI Amid Public Skepticism
Despite public skepticism and political challenges, corporate leaders demonstrate a resilient commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as revealed by the 2024 Inclusion Barometer. While 72% of leaders anticipate expanding their DEI programs within the next two years, the study also highlights significant representation gaps, especially in leadership roles. This internal commitment underscores the perception of DEI not just as a moral imperative but as a strategic business advantage that drives innovation, employee satisfaction, and societal impact.
2. Complex Landscape of Corporate DEI
The Barometer presents a complex landscape where DEI is increasingly viewed as essential to corporate strategy and culture, yet external support is wavering in some quarters. Despite criticisms and challenging judicial decisions over the past year, the majority of corporate leaders continue to weave DEI into the fabric of their business operations. This ongoing integration reflects a deep-seated recognition of the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce, although the survey indicates that executive teams often do not yet reflect the diversity of their broader employee base or customer demographics.
3. Embedding DEI into Business Strategies
Looking ahead, the webinar articulated a vision for integrating DEI more deeply into corporate strategies and operations. The necessity of embedding DEI into core business practices was emphasized as crucial for the future of corporate success. This integration is seen as intrinsically linked to the inclusivity of company policies and the diversity of its workforce, suggesting a paradigm where DEI becomes a cornerstone of organizational excellence.
4. How to Advance DEI in the Current Climate
Panelists shared their experiences and strategies regarding the implementation of DEI in their organizations. They discussed the challenges of making DEI a part of everyday business operations and the importance of maintaining a proactive approach to fostering inclusivity. The panel underscored the need for more robust metrics to measure the success of DEI initiatives and advocated for ongoing efforts to build a strong business case for inclusion. This dialogue highlighted a collective optimism about the potential for DEI initiatives to become more ingrained in organizational cultures, driving progress and innovation.
The 2024 Inclusion Barometer not only maps the current landscape but also serves as a call to action for continued, strategic focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the corporate sector. This approach promises to reshape corporate cultures, making them more reflective of the diverse societies they serve.