When it comes to Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) in the workplace, far more companies are talking the talk rather than walking the walk. A new state-of-the-industry report, “The State of Diversity and Inclusion 2018/2019,” from the HR Research Institute reveals that although HR professionals agree that D&I is critical to organizational success, most organizations are still under-performing in this key area.
Results shows that most organizations currently have narrow definitions of D&I, are in the early stages of developing programs, and are unsure about how effective their D&I programs really are overall. Diversity and Inclusion programs today are largely immature or in development mode with only 20% of HR professionals indicating their D&I practices are in a mature stage of progress. Only about half say their workforces reflect the demographics of the marketplace.
“It’s disheartening in this day and age to see such a big gap between where companies are and where they should be. It starts at the top and employers will have to dig deep to understand the real reasons that their Diversity and Inclusion practices are not working if they want their employees and their business to succeed,” said Debbie McGrath, Chief Instigator and CEO of HR.com.
The study compared high and lower performers in terms of their management of Diversity and Inclusion. The most commonly cited barriers to effective D&I are a lack of budget (43%) and a lack prioritization by top leadership levels (41%). High performers experience fewer barriers overall, and they are more likely to get support from the top, understand the potential benefits of diversity, communicate them well, and conduct training across the organization.
Companies have a better chance at achieving effective D&I initiatives if they are supported by senior leaders. Results highlight the fact that high performers are more likely than lower performers to make “everyone” or a C-level executive responsible for D&I rather than just leave it up to the HR department.
RESEARCH REPORT AND INFOGRAPHIC AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD: https://web.hr.com/rxkm
The survey, “The State of Diversity and Inclusion 2018/2019,” was fielded in April/May and then again in October/November 2018. There were responses from 586 participating HR professionals representing a broad cross-section of employers.
About HR.com and the HR Research Institute
The HR Research Institute is HR.com’s research arm. HR.com strives to help create inspired workforces by making HR professionals smarter. Over 1.2 million HR professionals turn to HR.com as the trusted resource for education, career development, and compliance. We offer 85+ free primary research reports from the HR Research Institute, 400+ informative webcasts and virtual events yearly, the largest HR certification exam preparation program supporting SHRM and HRCI certification, a legal compliance guidance program, community networks, blogs, career planning, and 12 monthly interactive HR epublications. HR.com offers the best training and networking for HR professionals globally 24/7/365. Please visit hr.com and www.hr.com/hrresearchinstitute
For more information, contact:
Debbie McGrath
Chief Instigator and CEO, HR.com
dmcgrath [at] hr.com
877-472-6648
www.HR.com
