DEI Rollbacks vs. Workplace Reality: 88% Say DEI Efforts Have Tangibly Improved Diversity
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Corporate DEI programs have made significant strides in recent years, driving meaningful progress in workplace diversity and inclusivity.
According to MyPerfectResume's report "The Impact of DEI Initiatives," DEI programs have positively influenced employees’ personal work experiences, showing their effectiveness in creating more inclusive and supportive workplaces.
Despite some companies scaling back their DEI commitments, employees continue to recognize and benefit from these initiatives. The DEI impact report makes it clear that these efforts are more than just symbolic — they are actively improving diversity, fostering inclusivity and enhancing the overall workplace experience.
Based on a February 2025 survey of over 1,000 U.S. employees, the findings highlight the tangible impact of DEI initiatives, from increased leadership representation to a more inclusive company culture.
Survey highlights:
- 88% of employees say overall company diversity has improved due to DEI initiatives.
- 87% believe DEI efforts have increased diversity in leadership.
- 95% say DEI initiatives have positively impacted their personal work experience.
- 79% have observed positive changes in company culture.
- 74% feel their DEI programs effectively address challenges for underrepresented employees.
DEI’s Impact on Workplace Culture
Workers affirm that DEI programs are fostering meaningful cultural change:
- 79% of employees say company culture has improved due to DEI efforts.
- 74% believe their company’s DEI initiatives effectively address challenges for underrepresented groups.
What this means: DEI programs are fundamentally reshaping workplaces for the better. Employees report a more welcoming, respectful, and collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are acknowledged and valued.
Cultural Shifts & Inclusivity: What’s Working?
Employees recognize the shift toward more diverse leadership teams, thanks to DEI programs:
- 87% say DEI efforts have increased leadership diversity.
Transparency & Leadership: Employees See DEI Programs Delivering Real Impact
Companies are measuring and reporting on DEI progress, which builds trust and ensures accountability:
- 89% of companies conduct internal DEI surveys or assessments.
- 76% of employees say leadership communicates updates about DEI efforts.
- 77% say progress reports on DEI initiatives are shared with employees.
What this means: Organizations that prioritize transparency in their DEI efforts gain trust and engagement from their employees. Clear communication ensures that progress remains visible and reinforces leadership’s commitment to long-term inclusivity.
Leadership Accountability: Metrics and Reviews Provide Oversight
Organizations are implementing a variety of strategies to improve inclusivity, with workers identifying the most effective ones:
- 47% say their company offers employee support groups based on shared identities or experiences.
- 47% report that managers receive training on fostering inclusive teams.
- 45% say mentorship and career guidance programs are in place.
- 45% cite focused diverse hiring efforts as a key strategy.
- 39% say their company provides bias reduction training for employees.
- 37% mention that pay equity reviews are conducted to ensure fair compensation.
What this means: DEI programs are working because they are backed by real action. From mentorship initiatives to pay equity reviews, organizations are implementing meaningful changes that foster a truly inclusive work environment.
The Real Issue: Leadership’s Lack of Conviction
The impact of DEI in the workplace is undeniable. Employees see the progress, feel the benefits, and acknowledge the improvements in culture and leadership diversity. So why are some companies rolling back these efforts?
The problem isn’t DEI programs falling short — it’s leadership lacking the conviction to stand by them.
Companies have spent years building impactful, data-driven DEI initiatives that are now at risk of being unfairly branded as failures or unnecessary expenditures. In reality, these rollbacks are often the result of external pressure, not the programs themselves failing to deliver.
For press inquiries, contact Nathan Barber at nathan.barber@bold.com.
Survey methodology
The findings were obtained by surveying 1,096 U.S. employees on February 3, 2025. The Pollfish survey included a mix of multiple-choice, scale-based, and open-ended questions to assess the perceived impact of DEI efforts on workplace diversity, leadership, and company culture.
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DEI Rollbacks vs. Workplace Reality: 88% Say DEI Efforts Have Tangibly Improved Diversity
Dr. Jasmine Escalera, a seasoned Career Expert with 15+ years of experience, dedicated to supporting professionals in finding the right roles, fostering inclusive workplaces, and advocating for equitable pay.
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