Trend Shift 8: diversity and inclusion is being refocused rather than abandoned
Summary
McKinsey's eighth shift finds that despite shifting political support, diversity and inclusion remains a priority for 90 percent of the leaders surveyed, with 46 percent treating it as a strategic priority integrated into long-term plans and 26 percent as an operational priority with initiatives underway.
Classification
Main topicValues & Lifestyles
Region menusGlobal
Impactscope:global
Time horizon0-3 years (2026-07-26)
Last updated2026-07-29 04:49:52
Evidence 1
- The State of Organizations 2026 McKinsey & Company page=56;section=Workforce shifts: Sharpening the focus on diversity and inclusion 2026-02 accessed 2026-07-26
Observed signals 8
- Signal16% scaled back D&I, but most of them paused some efforts while continuing others
- Signal38% embed D&I into talent systems and 39% prioritize pay equity
- Signal40% globally and 48% in North America blame the sociopolitical environment for scaling back
- Signal45% of those who scaled back expect to restore D&I efforts within two years
- SignalAround 40% report engagement and retention gains from D&I efforts
- SignalD&I commitment holds at 83-84% in Europe and Asia-Pacific against 75% in North America
- SignalLack of measurable outcomes (30%) outranks political climate (27%) as a D&I challenge
- SignalStrong belonging is associated with 56% better job performance and half the turnover risk
Part of issues 1
- IssueAutomating people processes could either erase or extend inclusion gains1 trends · 0 signals
Relation types: constitutes · supports
Public id: fm-b19b7549e714