DEI programs boost workplace diversity, MyPerfectResume survey finds
GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO — American workers report that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are delivering meaningful results in their workplaces despite recent corporate rollbacks of such initiatives.
According to MyPerfectResume’s February 3, 2025 survey of 1,096 U.S. employees, 88% believe DEI initiatives have improved workplace diversity, while 95% say these programs have positively impacted their personal work experience.
“The data is undeniable — DEI programs are not just a corporate checkbox, they are driving real, measurable change in workplaces,” Jasmine Escalera, career expert at MyPerfectResume, said in a press release.
Leadership diversity shows significant progress
The survey reveals that 87% of employees believe DEI efforts have increased diversity in leadership positions.
Additionally, 79% of workers have observed positive changes in company culture due to DEI efforts, and 74% feel their DEI programs effectively address challenges faced by underrepresented employees.
“Employees overwhelmingly recognize the impact of these initiatives, from greater diversity in leadership to improved workplace culture. Yet, despite their success, DEI programs are being unfairly scrutinized — not because they aren’t working, but because some leaders are too quick to fold under external pressure,” Escalera added.
The survey also sheds light on the importance of transparency and proactive communication from leadership regarding DEI efforts:
- 89% of companies conduct internal DEI assessments.
- 76% of employees report that leadership keeps them informed about DEI progress.
Such transparency is crucial as it builds trust and ensures that the progress of DEI initiatives is both visible and measurable.
Strategies for fostering inclusivity
Employees identified several effective strategies for enhancing inclusivity within their organizations:
- 47% highlighted the availability of employee support groups.
- 47% noted that managers receive training to foster inclusive teams.
- 45% reported the presence of mentorship and career guidance programs.
Corporate rollbacks contradict workplace reality
The positive employee feedback comes amid a growing trend of corporate withdrawals from DEI commitments in the United States.
Accenture, Meta, Alphabet, Amazon, Walmart, and Lowe’s are among the large corporations that retracted their DEI commitments post-Trump’s election. The U.S. president has criticized these programs as “absolute nonsense” and discriminatory, issuing executive orders to eliminate federal DEI initiatives.
However, the survey findings suggest these rollbacks contradict workplace reality. Moreover, DEI initiatives are proving to be powerful tools for increasing productivity and retaining talent in the workplace, according to experts at the Diversity Network’s Inclusion Festival. In response to these shifts, Costco, Apple, and JPMorgan Chase maintain their commitment to diversity.
