While most U.S. employers have committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and accessibility initiatives, the majority haven’t embedded these initiatives into their daily processes, according to a survey by Inclusively and Forrester Research Inc.
The survey, which polled more than 150 human resources leaders in the U.S., found most respondents said while their company has basic DEI practices like employee resource groups, few have embedded DEI into their ecosystems by creating key performance indicators or processes that enable DEI initiatives.
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Eight in 10 (80 per cent) respondents said their firm is focused on providing a culture of acceptance for those with a disability and 69 per cent said their firm is creating KPIs attached to DEI. Two-thirds (66 per cent) said their firm is creating KPIs attached to accessibility practices and obtaining accessible technology for its employees and clients. More than two-thirds (70 per cent) of respondents said DEI initiatives were driven by employees, leadership or both.
More than two-thirds (71 per cent) of respondents said their firm aims to hire a diverse workforce. Two-fifths (40 per cent) of hiring managers and recruiters said they have an accommodation practice in place which is clear and easy to understand, 33 per cent said they’re incentivized to hire diverse teams and 24 per cent are incentivized to hire people with disabilities.
“Companies that are really serious about inclusion have to do the upfront work to reap the benefits of sustainable, scalable and replicable success,” said Charlotte Dales, chief executive officer and founder of Inclusively, in a press release. “Those that take an actionable, progressive approach to inclusion will drive value by future-proofing their ability to attract and retain the best talent. It’s time to take action.”