A new survey from MyPerfectResume, a leading resource for resume and career advice, reveals overwhelming support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the workplace. Despite recent rollbacks and debates surrounding corporate DEI programs, the February 2025 Impact of DEI Initiatives survey – which gathered responses from over 1,000 U.S. workers—found that the vast majority believe these initiatives are making a measurable, positive impact.
Key Survey Findings
- 88% of employees say DEI initiatives have improved overall workplace diversity.
- 87% believe DEI efforts have boosted diversity in leadership roles.
- 95% report that DEI initiatives have positively influenced their personal work experience.
- 79% have noticed improvements in company culture due to DEI programs.
- 74% feel these initiatives effectively address challenges faced by underrepresented employees.
“The data is undeniable – DEI programs are not just a corporate checkbox, they are driving real, measurable change in workplaces,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at MyPerfectResume®. “Employees overwhelmingly recognize the impact of these initiatives, from greater diversity in leadership to improved workplace culture.”
The Transformative Impact of DEI on Workplace Culture
The survey highlights that DEI programs are not only enhancing representation but also fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment:
- 79% of respondents report an increase in overall inclusivity within their company culture.
- 74% believe DEI initiatives effectively address barriers for underrepresented groups.
These results reflect a growing recognition among employees of the importance of targeted support in improving workplace dynamics and fostering an inclusive atmosphere.
Transparency and Leadership Accountability Drive DEI Success
The data also shows that companies are taking steps to ensure DEI initiatives remain transparent and impactful:
- 89% of organizations conduct internal DEI surveys or assessments.
- 76% of employees say leadership regularly communicates DEI progress.
- 77% report receiving DEI progress updates.
Leadership accountability remains a key focus, with:
- 72% of respondents noting that leaders are held accountable through measurable performance reviews.
- 23% of employees feeling that accountability could still be improved.
Strategies Companies Are Using to Promote Inclusivity
Organizations are implementing several initiatives to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion:
- 47% have established support groups for employees with shared identities or experiences.
- 47% provide manager training to cultivate inclusive teams.
- 45% offer mentorship and career development programs.
- 45% focus on diverse hiring efforts.
- 39% conduct bias reduction training for employees.
- 37% carry out pay equity reviews to ensure fair compensation.
“HR teams and DEI professionals have spent years crafting thoughtful, impactful programs that are making a real difference for employees,” added Escalera. “The real challenge isn’t the effectiveness of these programs – it’s whether leadership has the conviction to stand by them.”
