A recent research study conducted by HR.com’s HR Research Institute has exposed significant gaps in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives within organizations. The study reveals that a mere 28% of DEIB programs have reached an advanced or expert level of maturity, indicating a substantial area for improvement in many organizations.
The comprehensive research report, HR.com’s Future of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging 2024, is available for free download and offers actionable strategies for HR professionals aiming to enhance their DEIB programs.
The study identifies pronounced disparities between mature DEIB programs and those that are still in development. Organizations with advanced DEIB initiatives are found to prioritize education and training significantly more, being eight times more likely to have DEIB-focused learning and development (L&D) programs than those with less effective diversity and inclusion efforts. The research further reveals that just 20% of organizations have no DEIB-related L&D programs, and only about 42% offer such programs to all employees. This lack of educational initiatives is a substantial barrier to achieving advanced DEIB program maturity.
Debbie McGrath, Chief Instigator and CEO of HR.com, emphasized the importance of education and training in effective DEIB programs. “The findings show that companies struggling with DEIB effectiveness often neglect these aspects. A strong focus on DEIB-related learning and development can bridge these gaps and promote a more inclusive workplace culture,” McGrath stated.
Another critical area for improvement identified in the study is the measurement of DEIB metrics. While most companies track basic demographics related to diversity, less than half are currently monitoring advanced metrics such as pay equity data, employee retention, recruiting outcomes, and diversity within leadership ranks. The absence of robust metrics presents a significant challenge for organizations to assess and enhance the effectiveness of their DEIB initiatives.
The full report, HR.com’s Future of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging 2024, offers more detailed insights and additional tips to help elevate DEIB initiatives and create a more equitable and inclusive work environment.
For those interested in further exploring the benefits of effective DEIB initiatives, the study’s findings are also presented in a recorded session, Demonstrating the Benefits of Great DEIB Initiatives, available for viewing on-demand.
As the business landscape continues to evolve, the importance of robust DEIB programs cannot be overstated. This study underscores the need for organizations to invest in comprehensive educational and training programs and to develop advanced metrics for assessing DEIB effectiveness. By addressing these gaps, organizations can foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace, which is essential for long-term success and sustainability.
