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One message in today’s corporate landscape is clear: diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are not just a nice-to-have — they’re essential. A recent survey by MyPerfectResume shows that 84% of employees believe companies should expand their DEI efforts despite ongoing political debates and corporate hesitations.
Political rhetoric is leaving its mark in boardrooms and on the street. Seventy-three percent of respondents say President Trump’s rhetoric and policies have influenced their company’s approach to DEI.
Below, we break down the key findings from the Impact of DEI Rollbacks survey and explain what they mean for the modern workplace.
Key findings:
- 84% of employees want DEI efforts to expand.
- Only 5% believe DEI should be scaled back.
- 69% fear corporate DEI rollbacks will trigger industry-wide cutbacks.
- 65% say reducing DEI efforts will significantly harm employee retention.
- 64% believe workplace morale will suffer.
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Employee Retention and Morale at Risk
Companies that deprioritize DEI efforts may face serious internal consequences:
- 65% of employees believe reducing DEI will lead to higher turnover.
- 64% say workplace morale will take a hit.
- Over 90% foresee some negative impact on workplace culture.
Here is a visual representation of the above data:
Barriers to DEI Success: What’s Holding Companies Back?
Employees acknowledge significant challenges to effective DEI implementation:
- 29% cite insufficient resources as the biggest barrier.
- 28% point to a lack of sustained leadership commitment.
What this means: Both resource constraints and inconsistent leadership commitment are major hurdles that must be addressed to ensure successful DEI initiatives.
The Ripple Effect: Industry-Wide Impact
Many employees worry about the broader implications if major companies roll back their DEI efforts:
- 69% believe that if large companies cut back on DEI, others will follow.
- Only 5% think most businesses will continue to prioritize DEI regardless of external pressures.
What this means: DEI rollbacks by leading companies could set a dangerous precedent, potentially triggering a domino effect that undermines industry-wide progress in diversity and inclusion.
What Companies Can Do: Actions to Strengthen DEI
Employees identified key strategies to sustain and enhance DEI initiatives:
- 28% support strengthening employee resource groups.
- 28% want better communication about DEI goals.
- 27% emphasize regular pay equity reviews.
- 27% advocate for more diverse hiring and promotion practices.
- 26% believe leadership must be more accountable for DEI success.
See this graphic for better understanding of the data:
Employees clearly value DEI programs as they contribute to a more inclusive and supportive work environment, boosting both morale and retention. Any rollback in these initiatives risks creating an environment where employees feel unheard and undervalued.
The survey shows that employees overwhelmingly support expanding DEI initiatives. Despite political pressures and corporate hesitations, robust DEI efforts are seen as vital to maintaining a positive workplace culture, retaining talent, and fostering long-term business success.
MyPerfectResume remains committed to offering insights and resources that empower companies to build inclusive and thriving work environments.
For press inquiries, contact Nathan Barber at nathan.barber@bold.com.
Survey methodology:
The findings were obtained by surveying 1,000 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 rollbacks, employee attitudes, and the future of workplace diversity efforts.
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84% Want DEI Efforts to Expand
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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