What's Happening?
The 2026 State of People Strategy Report has found that 60% of surveyed companies have never appointed dedicated roles for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). The report, based on responses from HR professionals globally, highlights that DEIB is often seen as a standalone initiative rather than an integral part of business strategy. Economic pressures have led to the reduction of DEIB roles, despite the ongoing need for inclusive practices. The report suggests that effective DEIB policies require buy-in throughout an organization to be successfully embedded into company culture.
Why It's Important?
The lack of dedicated DEIB roles in companies indicates a potential gap in addressing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As DEIB becomes increasingly important for employee satisfaction and organizational success, companies may face challenges in fostering inclusive environments without dedicated roles. The reduction of these roles could slow down or reverse inclusion efforts, impacting employee well-being and company culture. Organizations that prioritize DEIB are likely to benefit from improved employee engagement and retention, highlighting the need for strategic focus on these initiatives.
