Consuelo Meux, Ph.D.

Understanding diversity, equity, and inclusiveness (DEI) has been important for decades, but never so much as today. The nation is changing. People are more aware of differences and sameness’s of others and camaraderie and care are increasing. All of this adds up to making it more important than ever that both profit or nonprofit businesses to implement steps that indicate their support of diversity.  

Here are four new reasons why workplaces need to prioritize the understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness issues, at all levels of the organization.  

1. The changing US population will force more attention on diversity issues.

Since 2019, the overall population of the US has been declining. This is a result of fewer births, more deaths, and less immigration. Although it’s still the largest group, the population that identifies as White alone, has decreased by 8.6% since 2010. The multiracial population increased by 276%. All other racial groups and race combination groups have also increased. Most of the diversity is in the western and southern states. People of diverse backgrounds currently represent almost 40% of the US population compared to 36% in 2010 and 31% in 2000 (Johnson, 2020). Children are the primary age group for the change. This means consumer demographics will change with the possibility of children growing up to have values that embrace the oneness of all, expecting businesses to honor all aspects of diversity.

2. The socially constructed concept of race will be challenged.  

As populations shift, the antiquated socially designed concept of race categories will start to fall apart. More people will understand that the concept of “race” to describe different groupings of human beings has no genetic bases. The categorization of human beings into race categories was created in America solely for the purpose of finding a free labor force to enslave for the economic gain on only one “race” group. The free labor force selected were African people who had no way of escaping and had no defenders of their humanity. As more people find they are not correctly represented by the limited choices on demographic check boxes, race categories will be challenged, and people will seek more information on diversity.  This doesn’t mean everything will change and all people will accept the truth about how the concept of race was created and perpetuated. Race may not be a biological reality, but racism is very real. Millions will still cling to race divisions for their own good, but a growing number will embrace truth and seek equality as a way of life (Takezawa, Y.I., Smedley, A., Wade, P.).

3. Research indicates consumers want private and nonprofit businesses to understand diversity issues.

A recent marketing study found consumers want more to see diversity in marketing and advertising that shows businesses care about all people. For instance, the study found that 55% of women still felt advertising portrayed them in stereotypical ways. Women are responsible for up to 80% of all household purchases, the survey found. Plus, 55% of the African American community and many in the LGBTQ2+ community said not seeing themselves in the advertising affected how they spent their money. Some said they would stop supporting brands that didn’t include them in their advertising (Baker,2019). Both nonprofit and private companies will need to be aware of the first impression they make through public communications showing their awareness of diverse audiences. Some mistakes will be forgivable if companies respond appropriately when flagged by the public. But some consumers will disconnect from companies that appear to be insensitive to diversity, which will ultimately affect their profit potential.

4. Study shows company leaders and employees agree on the importance of social justice support.

Consumers are not alone in recognizing the importance of a more inclusive society. Another study showed 76% of Americans believe business must recognize its role in systemic racism and 48% of employees mentioned possibly leaving a job if the company hasn’t responded to issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. And consumers are not alone (Novelli, 2021).

Another study (Novelli, 2020) found up to 73% of executives agree there is an urgency for businesses to be a part of creating solutions for some of societies critical issues, including social and racial justice issues, fair economy, and pandemic issues. These studies indicate a strong understanding of the importance of being inclusive in the workplace. It also means there will be less tolerance of racial slights, microaggressions, insults, racist behavior, and other offenses. Workplaces will need training for all levels of employees, starting from the top and working its way throughout the organization.

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Resources:

Johnson, K., 2020. U.S. population growth slows, but diversity grows. National Issue Brief #148. University of New Hampshire.

Novelli, P. (2020) 73 Percent of business executives agree companies have more responsibility than ever before to take stands on social justice issues.

Novelli, P. (2021. Porter Novelli launches justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) advisory service offering in response to growing business imperative.

Takezawa, Y.I., Smedley, A., Wade, P. The history of the idea of race.