The CHRO’s Perspective: DEI

Since January 2022, over 560 CHROs have responded to Evanta’s annual Leadership Perspective Survey. Across the enterprise, HR leaders are focused on driving growth, increasing employee engagement and improving operational efficiencies and productivity. 

Within the HR function itself, diversity, equity and inclusion has emerged as the third highest priority for CHROs. While DEI continues to be a primary focus for HR, the priority has fallen from its top position in 2021. The change is not because DEI has become any less important, but instead is a result of how CHROs are shifting their approach and thought processes around the issue. 

As one executive, who serves as both the head of HR and Chief Diversity Officer, said on a call with Evanta, “DE&I should be intertwined within all HR priorities—recruiting, retention, and employee culture.” Rather than DEI viewed as a stand-alone priority, more and more organizations are integrating DEI principles into all facets of the HR function. 

Narrowing in on the survey results, CHROs have told us the specific goals and challenges they face when attempting to enact meaningful change around DEI. 

While discussing these survey results, CHROs often mention that improving diversity in their workforce is the first and most rudimentary step. What comes next is stickier – creating a culture of inclusion and changing human behaviors. This is evident in the challenges they relayed to us.

To learn more about how your peers in other organizations are taking on DE&I in their work, join us at the following CHRO Executive Summits: 

New York CHRO Executive Summit on May 24

Boston CHRO Executive Summit on June 7

Dallas CHRO Executive Summit on June 15

San Francisco CHRO Executive Summit on June 22

For a complete list of opportunities to discuss diversity, equity and inclusion with like-minded CHRO peers in your community, you can view all upcoming gatherings here.