American workers are becoming increasingly skeptical of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the workplace, according to a Pew Research Center survey released in October. While most workers still view DEI initiatives positively, the percentage of those holding favorable opinions has declined compared to last year.
In October, 52% of workers said that focusing on DEI at work is a good thing, down from 56% in February 2023. Meanwhile, 21% now consider DEI efforts a bad thing, a 5-point increase over the same period. The share of workers expressing neutrality on the topic remains steady at 26%.
Republican workers have driven much of the shift in attitudes. Four in ten Republican and Republican-leaning workers (42%) now view DEI initiatives as harmful, up from 30% last year. By contrast, Democratic workers overwhelmingly continue to see DEI as positive, though the share saying their companies pay “too little attention” to DEI has dropped from 21% to 16%.
Among employed men, the percentage viewing DEI as harmful has risen to 29%, up from 23% last year. Women, as well as Black, Hispanic, and Asian workers, are more likely to view DEI favorably, but support among Asian workers has slipped significantly. Just 57% of Asian workers say DEI is a good thing, down from 72% in 2023, with a growing share taking a neutral stance.
More workers now believe their employers focus too much on DEI. In February 2023, 14% of workers said their organizations paid too much attention to these efforts. That figure has risen to 19%, surpassing the 12% who believe companies are not doing enough.
The perception of overemphasis on DEI has grown across racial and ethnic groups. Among Black workers, for instance, the share saying their employer pays too much attention to DEI has increased to 8%, up from 3% last year.
In a separate survey of Americans, Pew found widespread belief that DEI practices benefit certain demographic groups. Majorities agree that DEI helps Black, Hispanic, and Asian men and women. However, opinions are sharply divided when it comes to White men. While 36% of Americans believe DEI practices hurt White men, just 14% say they help.
Men are more likely than women to perceive DEI practices as detrimental to all groups, particularly White men. Among Republicans, 56% say DEI hurts White men, compared with just 19% of Democrats.
The findings underscore a growing polarization around workplace DEI initiatives. While many workers and Americans still recognize the value of fostering inclusivity, skepticism about the implementation and impact of these programs is mounting.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.