Signal 40% globally and 48% in North America blame the sociopolitical environment for scaling back

Summary

McKinsey asked organizations that scaled back diversity and inclusion programs why they did so. The changing sociopolitical environment was the most cited reason, named by 40 percent globally and by 48 percent in North America. Other reasons included a lack of measurable outcomes, cited by 29 percent, and competing priorities, cited by 28 percent. The higher North American figure fits the region's position as the place where D&I policies face the most scrutiny. Still, nearly half of the organizations that cut back expect to bring efforts back to some extent within one to two years, suggesting the retreat may be temporary.