Bridging the Gap: Understanding DEIB in Today’s Workplace

“Companies that embrace diversity and inclusion in all aspects of their business statistically outperform their peers”.
Josh Bersin, analyst and thought leader

Every modern and vibrant workplace today demands a culture of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Organizations that focus on DEIB are better positioned to attract top talent, meet the needs of diverse customer bases, and navigate challenges with resilience – making DEIB a key determinant of organizational success. However, to create workplaces where everyone feels truly valued and empowered, it’s crucial to understand the perspectives of both employers and employees.

Recognizing this, Indeed’s annual DEIB survey, carried out in partnership with YouGov India, takes a look at the current state of DEIB in our workplaces, focusing on the experiences and perceptions of both employers and employees. The report also provides an understanding of key areas of focus that make a workplace truly inclusive.

Understanding the Comfort-Pride-Loyalty Triangle
The survey shows that employee happiness and engagement are closely linked to factors like recognition, effective communication, and sense of belonging. Employees who feel comfortable and supported at all levels in the organization are more likely to demonstrate loyalty and pride in their workplace, making them want to remain a part of the organization for long.

Creating Safe Spaces: The Intersection of Comfort and Diversity
A workplace that truly prioritizes comfort is one where people feel psychologically safe, which naturally fuels creativity, higher productivity, and teamwork. When employees feel comfortable, they’re more willing to speak up, share ideas, and take initiative, driving the organization forward. However, comfort doesn’t exist in isolation; it is tied to diversity and the absence of discrimination.

While many companies are making progress in fostering diversity across educational and religious backgrounds, there is still a significant gap in gender representation and inclusion. Only 57% of employees report an equal representation of men and women on their teams, and even fewer (48%) have female managers. Moreover, discrimination remains a barrier, with half of the workforce having witnessed or experienced it firsthand. Women, in particular, face a higher incidence of gender and sexual discrimination, leading to adverse effects on their mental and physical health, and ultimately, on productivity.

Building a Truly Inclusive Workplace
Clearly, DEIB initiatives play an important role in creating workplaces where employees truly feel safe and valued. However, despite their growing presence in many organizations, there are still noticeable gaps in how they are communicated and executed. Many employees are unaware of the formal DEIB policies put in place by their companies, showing how important it is to move beyond developing policies and ensuring they’re clearly communicated and effectively put into action.

But this is easier said than done. Organizations often find themselves juggling multiple priorities when it comes to DEIB. For instance, while pay equity tends to take the spotlight (44%), only about 23% of organizations focus on promoting DEIB initiatives both inside and outside the workplace. Resistance to change is another issue, and companies need to anticipate pushback when introducing DEIB policies.

Tackling these challenges calls for a comprehensive approach. Leaders should be ready to address any hesitation from senior management and work to cultivate a culture where open conversations can thrive. Encouraging creativity is another key element. When organizations actively promote creative and innovative thinking, employees feel connected to their workplace. The ability to express ideas and opinions freely is essential — sharing thoughts openly and discussing different viewpoints allows employees to bring their true selves to work and fully engage in their roles.

Conclusion: Bridging the Divide for a Better Workplace
At its core, creating a truly inclusive workplace goes beyond ticking boxes for compliance. It’s a business imperative that requires organizations to fully understand the perceptions of both employees and employers. By taking steps to bridge the DEIB perception gap and

integrating these principles into every aspect of the organization, businesses can create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to perform their best.