In the current global context, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are proving to be more vital than ever, despite facing significant challenges.
In Europe, the approach to DEI exhibits distinct characteristics compared to the U.S., particularly in terms of historical and cultural perspectives on race and integration. European countries, with their complex histories of colonialism and a more homogenous societal view, tend to frame racial discussions differently, focusing more on ethnicity and nationality than on race itself. This nuanced understanding is crucial for implementing DEI strategies that are culturally sensitive and effective.
But models from the US are also impacting how DEI is co-created across oceans.
For example, The Relationships Across Differences Roundtable (RADs) is a collaborative effort spearheaded by leading institutions like Wharton, Harvard, and INSEAD. This initiative brings together over 70 academics and industry leaders to discuss and devise strategies to overcome the barriers to effective DEI implementation.
RADs serves as a vital platform for exchanging knowledge on creating authentic workplace environments where every individual feels valued. This includes tackling not just the overt issues but also the subtler, more systemic forms of exclusion that pervade many organisations.
But the resistance to DEI is real in some regions, often seen as an extension of American cultural imperialism, highlights the need for a more localised approach to these initiatives.
The roundtable's focused until now on context-specific strategies underscores the importance of understanding the unique cultural and historical dynamics at play in different regions.
There is still a lot of work to be done. And we are here to contribute to the EU change we're all been waiting for.
According to EY European DEI Index, companies in Europe are still behind in improving diversity, with only 7% which are building a real inclusive culture.
This recent survey carried out in collaboration with FT-Longitude, draws on the perspectives of 900 managers, from first-line management positions to the C-suite, and 900 non-managerial employees from nine European countries (Austria, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, Germany).
And it states the sometimes obvious: only 40% of managers are members of underrepresented groups (16% if you exclude gender diversity) vs 61% of non-managerial employees (31% excluding women)
Diversity is not just gender equity, but still less than 50% of surveyed organisations have implemented measures for cultural, LGBTQIA+ and socioeconomic diversities
Around a third of employees (30%) have encountered discrimination or bullying in their organisation, but almost half didn’t report it
European companies don’t make the grade on DEI: the average DEI Index score is 5.69 out of 10. Only Switzerland got a passing grade (6.0)
Leading organisations in DEI – ‘DEI Leaders’ – although only 9% larger than other firms, based on average annual revenues, spend 25% more on DEI
To measure the progress in DEI, EY has produced the European DEI Index: a measurement system based on the analyses of the data collected from this survey and, in particular, on how employees rated their organisations on two dimensions: the extent of a holistic DEI approach (e.g., different DEI dimensions) and the level of lived DEI culture.
Switzerland has the highest-ranked country, with an average score of 6.0, followed by Spain (5.92) and Portugal (5.85), followed by Austria (5.68), The Netherlands (5.65) and Italy (5.63). Germany scores the lowest (5.44), closing with Belgium (5.48) and France (5.56).
DEI is not a trend, but a fundamental component of modern organisational strategy that directly contributes to more innovative, inclusive, and productive workplaces.
DEI strategies must evolve beyond mere compliance to become deeply embedded within the corporate culture, driving real change.
By promoting a deeper understanding of these issues through initiatives like Fair Masterclasses and Fair Conference, more inclusive corporate environments can flourish not only a policy standpoint, but also with a tangible impact and mark on overall societies. Our Fair Masterclasses bring together a curated group of global experts to immerse you in vital subjects such as performance culture, cutting-edge HR technology, compensation strategy, talent acquisition and much more. More details and registrations for the first 4 cities is available here.
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