How CEOs and CHROs Can Navigate DEI Backlash

Our Privacy Policy has been updated! The Conference Board uses cookies to improve our website, enhance your experience, and deliver relevant messages and offers about our products. Detailed information on the use of cookies on this site is provided in our cookie policy. For more information on how The Conference Board collects and uses personal data, please visit our privacy policy. By continuing to use this Site or by clicking "OK", you acknowledge our privacy policy and consent to the use of cookies.

How CEOs and CHROs Can Navigate DEI Backlash

14 February 2024 / Article

Download Article

Mounting diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) backlash has resulted from a confluence of recent events: a Supreme Court decision, public institution and corporate actions, and vocal objections by influential investors. While managing this opposition can be challenging, CEOs and chief human resources officers (CHROs) can view this as an opportunity to reinforce their leadership roles by creating an inclusive and equitable culture linked to their business strategy.

Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead^™

Most employees and leaders value DEI objectives and remain committed to initiatives despite backlash. While some DEI critics suggest the pendulum has swung too far, with current DEI initiatives being divisive rather than inclusive, most organizational stakeholders still believe DEI objectives are worthy, and companies should not disregard their efforts and progress made to date.
The dynamic and complex nature of DEI in the workplace demands business focus and continuous iteration from the C-Suite, leaders, and employees. CEOs and CHROs should address DEI backlash by taking this opportunity to clarify DEI strategy and embed DEI priorities within organizational culture by both incorporating new values and creating supporting corporate structures and processes. Leaders should also be mindful of the positive impact inclusion has on employee engagement and retention.
DEI initiatives and investments must be inclusive of all stakeholders, while linking to business priorities and producing measurable returns. Customers, employees, and shareholders possess a diverse set of often-competing priorities, including those related to DEI issues. Using a DEI lens to ensure that business goals and execution plans reflect stakeholder needs can increase competitiveness. Leaders can reduce skepticism by demonstrating the positive impact DEI efforts have on business goals through focused measurement and data-backed evidence.

This publication is available to you, but you need to sign in to myTCB^TM or create an account to access it.To learn more about becoming a Member click here. To check if your company is a Member, click here

Sign In
Create An Account

By Clicking 'Create Account',
You Agree To Our Terms Of Use

Create Account

Members of The Conference Board get exclusive access to Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead^TM through publications, Conferences and events, webcasts, podcasts, data & analysis, and Member Communities.

Authors

Rita Meyerson, EdD

Rita Meyerson, EdD

Principal Researcher, Human Capital
The Conference Board

Diana Scott

US Human Capital Center Leader
The Conference Board

Allan Schweyer

Principal Researcher, Human Capital
The Conference Board

Other Related Resources

Report

HR and the Future of Generative AI

HR and the Future of Generative AI

December 18, 2024

Report

The Human Compass: Navigating Leadership in the Age of AI

The Human Compass: Navigating Leadership in the Age of AI

December 16, 2024

Quick Take

Overturning NASDAQ’s Board Diversity Rule: Implications for DEI and Governance

Overturning NASDAQ’s Board Diversity Rule: Implications for DEI and Governance

December 16, 2024

Newsletters & Alerts

HC Insights: To combat worker stress and burnout, consider digital well-being

HC Insights: To combat worker stress and burnout, consider digital well-being

December 16, 2024

Newsletters & Alerts

HC Insights: To engage and retain women, prioritize tailored DEI strategies

HC Insights: To engage and retain women, prioritize tailored DEI strategies

December 09, 2024

Essay

Reshaping the Workforce Under the New US Administration

Reshaping the Workforce Under the New US Administration

December 06, 2024

Newsletters & Alerts

HC Insights: To strengthen satisfaction, personalize well-being strategies

HC Insights: To strengthen satisfaction, personalize well-being strategies

December 02, 2024

Newsletters & Alerts

HC Insights: To boost workforce engagement, build flexible reward systems

HC Insights: To boost workforce engagement, build flexible reward systems

November 25, 2024

Newsletters & Alerts

HC Insights: To foster well-being, focus on trust-centered leadership strategies

HC Insights: To foster well-being, focus on trust-centered leadership strategies

November 18, 2024

Podcasts

CEO Succession: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

CEO Succession: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

November 18, 2024

Podcasts

DEI at a Crossroads: The Path Forward for Business

DEI at a Crossroads: The Path Forward for Business

November 14, 2024

Chart

Beyond Backlash: The Continued Benefits of DEI

Beyond Backlash: The Continued Benefits of DEI

November 13, 2024

Newsletters & Alerts

HC Insights: To boost engagement, prioritize DEI initiatives

HC Insights: To boost engagement, prioritize DEI initiatives

November 11, 2024

Article

The Paramount Value of Total Rewards: Forward Strategies for CEOs and CHROs

The Paramount Value of Total Rewards: Forward Strategies for CEOs and CHROs

November 07, 2024

Essay

For Corporate DEI, Elections Sometimes Have Consequences

For Corporate DEI, Elections Sometimes Have Consequences

November 07, 2024

Chart

Hybrid 2.0 Optimize Not Compromise

Hybrid 2.0 Optimize Not Compromise

November 05, 2024

Newsletters & Alerts

HC Insights: To meet employee expectations, revisit and refine DEI strategies

HC Insights: To meet employee expectations, revisit and refine DEI strategies

November 04, 2024

Report

Beyond Backlash: The Continued Benefits of DEI at Work

Beyond Backlash: The Continued Benefits of DEI at Work

October 29, 2024

Report

For Many Workers, DEI Is Essential

For Many Workers, DEI Is Essential

October 29, 2024

Report

DEI Under Pressure

DEI Under Pressure

October 28, 2024

Newsletters & Alerts

HC Insights: To make the case for a talent marketplace, tailor it to the C-Suite

HC Insights: To make the case for a talent marketplace, tailor it to the C-Suite

October 28, 2024

Report

HR and the Future of Generative AI

HR and the Future of Generative AI

December 18, 2024

Report

The Human Compass: Navigating Leadership in the Age of AI

The Human Compass: Navigating Leadership in the Age of AI

December 16, 2024

Quick Take

Overturning NASDAQ’s Board Diversity Rule: Implications for DEI and Governance

Overturning NASDAQ’s Board Diversity Rule: Implications for DEI and Governance

December 16, 2024

Upcoming Webcasts

What is the Future of Generative AI in Human Capital?

What is the Future of Generative AI in Human Capital?

January 14, 2025

Upcoming Webcasts

Culture & Strategy: How We Can Make Them Brunch Partners

Culture & Strategy: How We Can Make Them Brunch Partners

January 14, 2025

On Demand Webcasts

Why Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Matter to Your Workers

Why Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Matter to Your Workers

December 10, 2024

Conference

AI: Leading Through the AI Transformation

AI: Leading Through the AI Transformation

November 07, 2024

Conference

People 2030: Our Talent, Our Future

People 2030: Our Talent, Our Future

October 29, 2024

Conference

The 2024 IBI/Conference Board Health and Productivity Forum (Employers)

The 2024 IBI/Conference Board Health and Productivity Forum (Employers)

September 26, 2024

Councils

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategists Council II

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategists Council II

Councils

Future Workforce Strategy & Planning Council

Future Workforce Strategy & Planning Council

Councils

Human Capital Analytics Council

Human Capital Analytics Council

Councils

Coaching & Leadership Development Council

Coaching & Leadership Development Council

Councils

Employee Benefits Research Council

Employee Benefits Research Council

Councils

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Foundations Council

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Foundations Council

Councils

HR Operations Council

HR Operations Council

Councils

Executive Compensation Council

Executive Compensation Council

Councils

Learning & Development Executives Council

Learning & Development Executives Council

Councils

Talent Management Leaders Council

Talent Management Leaders Council

Councils

Payroll Executives Council

Payroll Executives Council

Councils

Change & Transformation Council

Change & Transformation Council

Councils

Compensation & Employee Benefits Council

Compensation & Employee Benefits Council

Councils

Employee Benefits Council

Employee Benefits Council

Councils

Diversity and Inclusion New Leaders Academy - Fall 2015

Diversity and Inclusion New Leaders Academy - Fall 2015

Upcoming Webcasts

What is the Future of Generative AI in Human Capital?

What is the Future of Generative AI in Human Capital?

January 14, 2025

Upcoming Webcasts

Culture & Strategy: How We Can Make Them Brunch Partners

Culture & Strategy: How We Can Make Them Brunch Partners

January 14, 2025

On Demand Webcasts

Why Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Matter to Your Workers

Why Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Matter to Your Workers

December 10, 2024

Conference Board Sample Web Chat