A recent survey by Deloitte, entitled “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Organizations 2023”, revealed a comprehensive scenario in Brazil. Let's explore the most striking insights!
Current overview
Of the 355 participating companies, 96% agree that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives make the workplace more welcoming, while 95% believe they contribute to the quality of the workforce and generate value. This is a positive sign of recognition of the positive impact of these practices.
DE&I structuring
The majority (76%) of organizations have practices or areas dedicated to DE&I, mainly linked to the human resources department (61%). There was a notable increase (10 percentage points) in communication with the board and presidency positions, indicating a strategic consolidation of the topic.
Committees and affinity groups
The research highlights an evolution in the structuring of committees or affinity groups, mainly for women (57%), races and ethnicities (53%), LGBTI+ (51%), and people with disabilities (47%). Larger companies, with revenues above R$2,5 billion, lead with an average of four of these fronts.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite progress, challenges persist. Internal resistance, organizational culture, conservative business environment and low leadership buy-in are common obstacles. The research reveals that promoting respect for differences in the workplace (86%) and training for leaders (84%) are the main actions to minimize adversities.
Goals and indicators
A promising piece of data is that 87% of companies have established DE&I goals aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Indicators focused on hiring professionals from minority groups (85%) and participants on DE&I fronts (62%) are being monitored, demonstrating a tangible commitment.
Investments and strategic vision
The majority (64%) of organizations increased their investments in DE&I compared to 2022, signaling a broader strategic vision. This reflects a maturity in practices, with 7 in 10 companies realizing cultural changes (76%) and contributions to organizational transformation (74%).
The research highlights significant progress in DE&I practices in Brazilian organizations, but also emphasizes the continued need to overcome cultural challenges. As companies invest more strategically and set tangible goals, the future points to a sustainable transformation in the country's workplaces.