World of HR: Majority of UK workers support specific DEI initiatives, survey finds

The debate over DEI practices started in the US and has made its way overseas, but the initiatives in one country are still largely popular among workers even as a rift develops over support for the idea of DEI policies.

Where in the world? Regardless of the uncertainty of DEI initiatives at US companies, the majority of workers in the UK support most DEI programming, according to a new Ipsos poll.

Britons largely have a positive view of specific DEI initiatives, like flexible working arrangements (71%), gender pay gap reporting (65%), and discrimination and inclusion education (64%). However, support for DEI as a term was much lower than views of individual DEI tactics. Just over one-third (36%) of workers in the UK believe that DEI has gone “a little too far.” Workers over 55, men, and those from “white ethnic backgrounds” were more likely than other groups to think that DEI has gone “too far.”

“While broad public support exists for many individual DEI workplace initiatives, when people are asked about ‘DEI’ in more general terms, opinion is more divided,” Rachel Ormston, research director at Ipsos, said in a statement. “These findings underscore the need for employers both to be aware of varied perspectives on DEI and to communicate clearly the aims and impacts of specific DEI actions to foster greater buy-in.”

Around two in five Britons said they disapprove of President Trump’s attempts to restrict DEI initiatives in the US, more than the 27% who approve. However, men are much more likely than women to approve of Trump’s policies (37% compared to 17%).

Satellite view. One in three new US college graduates said that lack of diversity at a company is a red flag, according to a recent Monster survey. So, while some politicians and right-wing provocateurs often claim diversity, equity, and inclusion programming is unfair, several other reports have found that workers in the US view DEI favorably.

Regardless of what side of the Atlantic they’re on, companies are determining policies and messages that avoid scrutiny from the Trump administration’s anti-DEI messaging, while attracting high-quality job candidates.