Promises vs. progress: 2 keys to keeping employees feeling good and staying put

As organizations face increasing scrutiny on their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, employees and stakeholders are questioning whether commitments¹ have been followed through. A survey of 24,348 employees across more than 20 countries reveals that two critical factors —organizational accountability to DEI and organizational fairness—increase employees’ experience of inclusion, engagement, and their intent to stay at their organization.

Despite the importance of these factors, only half of employees report that their organization holds individuals accountable for DEI, and just a third believe their organization operates with fairness in decision-making. These rates are even lower for employees from underrepresented groups.

To improve, leaders and DEI practitioners must prioritize measurable DEI strategies and transparent, respectful decision-making processes. This focus will not only enhance employee retention but also foster an inclusive culture where all employees can thrive.