20% of Hiring Managers Want Employers to Clarify DEI Stance

According to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey, 37% of job seekers want companies to take a clear stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), among other issues. Nearly half said they would quit if they disagreed with a company’s position. 

In response, 65% of hiring managers believe companies should address issues important to prospective employees, with 30% emphasizing DEI. These findings come as funding for DEI initiatives declines, highlighting the need for meaningful dialogue to strengthen recruitment efforts and organizational culture.

The survey, published on October 23, highlights that hiring managers are eager for employers to take definitive stances on DEI, along with other critical issues. Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment International, emphasized the importance of aligning corporate values with employee and customer concerns. “It is about finding the right balance between staying true to the company’s mission and addressing the concerns that matter most to their employees and customers.”

In addition to DEI, the survey addressed various other issues, including environmental concerns and politics. However, it found that DEI continues to be the foremost topic of interest among job applicants. This trend emerges amidst a year in which several corporations, such as Tesla and Microsoft,  have retracted or eliminated their DEI programs due to public pressure, as reported by MBN. Interestingly, many of these programs were initially established just a few years ago to address similar pressures.

The survey did not specify whether candidates preferred employers with or without DEI programs, nor did it detail the specific positions hiring managers want their employers to adopt regarding DEI. However, Stoller’s remarks about focusing on company values and customer expectations align with current trends in corporate messaging.

As hiring managers navigate these challenging dynamics, their calls for clearer stances on DEI reflect a growing expectation for employers to take an active role in addressing pressing societal issues.