Young staff say that employers should set race and gender goals

A new study reveals that nearly three-quarters (57%) young employees think it’s important for employers set race and gender goals.

Purpose Union’s, Root Cause’s, and Brand & Reputation Collective’s report, which surveyed more than 1,600 Millennials (aged 16-43), found that they are generally supportive of initiatives promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion. Around half (51%) said companies should actively promote DEI.

The Purpose Pulse survey, which included people from the UK and US found that over three-quarters (62%) believe DEI initiatives play a key role in building trust. Four out of five respondents (81%) thought employee wellbeing support could also help to build trust among employees.

The top reason given by 27% of respondents when asked why organizations should prioritize DEI was that it’s the right thing. Just 8% of respondents said it was important due to the financial benefits.

This research revealed that the younger generations are also concerned with business ethics, and would choose to work at a company which supports their social and environmental views. Most of them (59%) say they will recommend them as a good place to work and to promote them to family and friends (66%).

Purpose Union’s founding partner Daniela Flores said that Gen Z and millennials will be the future leaders of our society. Their values drive their decisions, from employment to purchasing. We are seeing some companies in the UK, and the US, rollback their policies, especially around DEI. However, these actions, over time, will alienate the audiences that they were hoping to engage.

Gen Z and millennials are also more likely to believe that employers should be doing more in social issues. 53% of Gen Z and younger millennials agree, up from 39% last year. They identify the greatest challenges as being financial and emotional well-being. These generations were particularly concerned about the cost of living crisis (84%), then followed by mental and psychological health (72%).

Phil Riggins of Brand & Reputation Collective said, “This year’s Purpose Pulse highlights the powerful shift in expectation from younger generations who demand that businesses step-up on social and environment issues. To earn the trust and loyalty of Gen Z and Millennials, business leaders must understand that purpose is not only about corporate benefit but also about doing the right thing. Businesses that understand this will be in a better position to drive social impact as well as long-term success.”

Personnel Today has the latest HR job openings.

Browse Human Resources Jobs