More than half (53 per cent) of U.S. workers say diversity, equity and inclusion is a key factor when considering a new job, a percentage that increases among millennials (63 per cent) and generation Z (77 per cent), according to a new survey by Eagle Hill Consulting.
The survey, which polled nearly 1,400 workers, found just a third (29 per cent) said their employer has taken more action in the past six months to demonstrate its commitment to DEI, a percentage that increased among Black (33 per cent), Hispanic (35 per cent) and Asian (39 per cent) employees, as well as neurodiverse workers (39 per cent), LGBTQ2S+ employees (40 per cent), military veterans (40 per cent) and workers with a physical impairment (46 per cent).
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Workers said during the recruitment process, it’s important to hear that employee perspectives are valued (85 per cent), employees feel safe bringing their authentic self to work (80 per cent), leadership has a transparent decision-making process (80 per cent) and the company has a collaborative culture (75 per cent).
When considering a new job, employees said it’s important that there are employees (63 per cent) and leaders (59 per cent) they identify with and that DEI is a priority for the chief executive officer (52 per cent). Workers said it’s also important that the employer promotes work-life balance (87 per cent), workers feel respected (87 per cent), employees are recognized for their work (86 per cent) and workers feel connected to their colleagues (77 per cent).
“What’s clear from Eagle Hill’s new research is that DEI is a priority issue for a large share of the workforce and can drive employee decisions on where to work,” said Melissa Jezior, president and chief executive officer of Eagle Hill Consulting, in a press release. “While some companies are reducing their DEI staff and programs, it’s encouraging to see that employees from diverse communities are seeing increased DEI efforts from their employers.”
Read: 72% of business leaders increased investment in DEI over past year: survey