CareerBuilder, a global talent acquisition leader and job marketplace, shared findings from a recent survey that shows 69 per cent of working adults are optimistic and characterize their employer’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts as positive, sharing specific initiatives that are most impactful including employee resource groups (ERGs) that promote a more inclusive workplace.
Of those that are optimistic about diversity at their company, many feel either respected, happy, encouraged or excited by current initiatives. African American employees (42%) are more likely than their White counterparts (29%) to say they are encouraged and excited about DEI efforts with 14% of African Americans saying companies are lacking in their attempts and could do more.
Just over 1 in 5 employees (22%), including 35% of Gen Z workers, remain critical and skeptical, citing that their employer is either not doing enough, missing the mark or that DEI efforts are non-existent.
As part of the survey, employees share some of the top ways companies can actively improve their diversity efforts:
48% – hiring a more diverse workforce
41% – promoting diversity across employees and leadership
25% – improving company policies and practices
21% – offering bias and diversity training for recruiters and leadership
About 1 in 5 employees say that diversity is also achieved through floating holidays for different cultures and practices, improved diversity messaging on marketing and website materials, and the creation of ERGs. Additionally, African American adults, Gen Z and Millennials are more likely than their counterparts to say these types of initiatives make them feel like a company is being more diverse.
Notably, the majority of U.S. adults (72%) say ERGs specifically play a critical role in promoting DEI including almost 1 in 4 of Millennials and Gen Z who cite ERGs as an essential solution to growing diversity. Importantly, Gen Z says ERGs enhance their employee experience (37%) and encourage them to stay at a company (30%) – aspects which can be important early in their growing careers.
Recognizing the value of ERGs, U.S. adults say these are some additional benefits:
- 33% say ERGs make them feel heard and valued
- 32% say they promote cultural awareness
- 30% suggest they foster an inclusive workplace
- 29% say they improve company innovation and culture
- 27% agree they provide an opportunity to meet colleagues
