A majority of Americans across nearly all demographic groups said DEI initiatives have made no impact on their personal careers, according to a newly released Harris Poll/Axios Vibes survey.
Why it matters: Republican lawmakers and activists have vilified DEI, a term for diversity, equity and inclusion policies used by employers. Companies have responded by rolling back programs.
- Yet Americans — and businesses — have a generally positive to at least indifferent view on the subject.
- On balance, most demographic groups were more likely to say DEI benefited their career than hindered it.
Regardless of why there are contesting sides, the contesting sides are still there.
I’m not arguing for or against any of this, I should note. I’m just pointing out that this division exists. If a company advertises “we’re DEI!” Then that may attract some new customers but it may also repel some existing ones, so it’s something that needs to be done with care.
Personally, I wish that companies would just go ahead and do their best to not be biased in who they employ and who they cater to, and that that would be enough.