The urgency for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion has never been greater: the workforce of the future is more diverse than ever, and newer generations are heavily prioritizing company values in their employment decisions.

In 2023, employers are increasingly expected to have DEI related policies and to actively tackle inequity in the workplace, through pay, benefits, health provisions and other channels. These expectations are not only coming from employees but also from a wide range of stakeholders, including regulators, investors, customers, suppliers and the media.

DEI initiatives can not only help to welcome a more diverse group of people into the organization, but they can also solve tokenism and as a result, offer many new perspectives. Organizations that get DEI right will benefit from a great culture and increased innovation. They will also enhance their reputations and gain an advantage in the growing war for talent. Those that fail to promote these principles will see their reputations and relevance diminished.

The business case for equity, diversity, and inclusion is strong and growing stronger, and while companies and institutions have demonstrated positive intent and increased discussion and activity, data shows that progress is slow. Greater clarity on what works, and what does not, can help leaders effectively create sustainable change.

HRO Today’s 11th Annual Inclusion Summit & Award Show will share success factors common across the DEI initiatives that yielded the most significant, scalable, quantifiable, and sustained impact. We will also celebrate inspiring DEI programs and practitioners that have made meaningful contributions to their organizations and the overall practice of D&I.

Download the 2023 DEI Justification Letter