In the wake of ongoing rollbacks in corporate DEI programs, a survey from MyPerfectResume has revealed that 88% of U.S. workers think DEI initiatives have improved workplace diversity. The February 2025 Impact of DEI Initiatives survey, with over 1,000 respondents, also found that 87% of employees report that their DEI efforts have positively impacted inclusivity, and 95% say these initiatives have directly improved their personal work experience.
Despite continued debates over the future of workplace diversity programs, these findings make one thing clear—DEI efforts are shaping company culture, increasing representation and addressing challenges underrepresented employees face.
Key findings from the report include the following.
- Most (88%) employees say overall company diversity has improved due to DEI initiatives.
- Even more (87%) believe DEI efforts have increased diversity in leadership.
- DEI has positively impacted the personal work experience of 95% of respondents.
- The majority of employees have observed positive changes in company culture due to DEI efforts.
- Nearly three-quarters (74%) feel their DEI programs effectively address challenges for underrepresented employees.
“The data is undeniable—DEI programs are not just a corporate checkbox, they are driving real, measurable change in workplaces,” says Jasmine Escalera, career expert at MyPerfectResume. “Employees overwhelmingly recognize the impact of these initiatives, from greater diversity in leadership to improved workplace culture. Yet, despite their success, DEI programs are being unfairly scrutinized—not because they aren’t working, but because some leaders are too quick to fold under external pressure.”
Beyond increasing representation, DEI initiatives are also transforming workplace culture and addressing key challenges. These programs are also fostering a more inclusive workplace, as 79% of employees say culture has become more inclusive and 74% say their employer’s DEI initiatives address key barriers for underrepresented groups.
Employees recognize that DEI programs are not just initiatives on paper—they are actively shaping workplace culture in meaningful ways. Companies are measuring progress, keeping employees informed and ensuring DEI remains a priority. Most (89%) conduct internal DEI surveys or assessments, 76% say leadership communicates about DEI progress, and 77% say DEI progress should be shared.
Employees recognize that leadership is actively held accountable for DEI efforts through measurable metrics and performance reviews. Further, organizations are implementing a variety of strategies to foster inclusivity, including:
- support groups for employees with shared identities or experiences (47%);
- manager training to foster inclusive teams (47%);
- mentorship and career guidance programs (45%);
- focusing on diverse hiring efforts (45%);
- offering bias reduction training for employees (39%); and
- conducting pay equity reviews to ensure fair compensation across all employees (37%).
