Resistance to DEI is at an all-time high. A 2022 Gartner study showed that 42% of participants reported that their peers see DEI as “divisive” and another 42% said their peers “resent DEI efforts”. The underlying reason for the resistance is based on the perception rather than the reality of DEI. DEI is oftentimes viewed more as a socio-political cause than a business imperative. The resistance is then created by opposing socio-political perspectives when, in fact, the business case for DEI is socio-politically neutral. Reliable data sources prove the business case for DEI by stats that show DEI efforts result in 2.3 times more cash flow per employee with inclusive programs; 19% higher revenue with diverse management teams; 30% higher procurement ROI with supplier diversity initiatives; and, 70% higher likelihood to capture new markets for companies with more diverse workforces. Other data-driven outcomes further strengthen the business case for DEI. Thus, there’s a pivot required for the way DEI is communicated to more effectively manage the resistance. As such, a new DEI narrative must be created to dispel the myths and enable the DEI journey to continue.
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