According to a February 2024 Gartner survey, the number-one challenge for 53% of DEI leaders this year is the lack of business leader ownership for DEI outcomes. This indicates that despite a commitment to DEI, organizations struggle to cultivate true accountability, which ultimately undermines their efforts. Today's DEI leaders feel overwhelmed and under-supported, making it crucial for organizations to bridge the gap between DEI as a separate function and its integration into core business strategies.
Organizations that are able to drive accountability and business leader ownership of outcomes can generate a significant return on investment. The February 2024 Gartner survey revealed that organizations where business leaders are held accountable for inclusion saw 49% higher inclusion, 40% higher engagement, and 14% higher performance among employees. This data underscores the importance of fostering an environment where accountability not only supports DEI initiatives but also enhances overall organizational productivity and morale.
Commitment is gained through alignment and feasibility. While many leaders value DEI as a separate function, only three in five DEI leaders feel that their company's leaders understand its impact on business goals. This highlights the need for businesses to contextualize DEI efforts within their broader strategies. By creating clear connections between DEI initiatives and organizational objectives, companies can foster deeper commitment and transformative change.
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