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United Minds , in partnership with Weber Shandwick and KRC Research , detailed the evolving role of Chief Diversity Officers and corporate diversity , equity and inclusion ( DE & I ) leaders over the past two years , notably featuring an increase in resources , responsibilities and optimism for the future despite significant adversity .

The global study of 227 of the seniormost professionals responsible for DE & I at their organisations expands upon a 2019 US-focused report and offers a look at the function before and after a period characterised by a global pandemic , racial justice movement and recession .

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HALF OF SENIOR DE & I LEADERS REPORT UNFAIR TREATMENT ( DISCRIMINATION , HARASSMENT AND / OR MICROAGGRESSIONS ) WITHIN THEIR ORGANISATIONS . leaders report budgets exceeding US $ 50 million – a 26 % increase over 2019 .

At the same time , despite an increased focus on societal inequities , senior DE & I leaders continue to have to make the business case for the importance and impact of DE & I : more than three quarters ( 78 %) agree that DE & I isn ’ t prioritised unless there is a visible or public problem and only 45 % strongly agree that their role is seen as a ‘ must-have ’ by the organisation ’ s leadership .

This is compounded by the fact that more than half of senior DE & I leaders report unfair treatment ( discrimination , harassment and / or microaggressions ) within their organisations .

And even as companies continue to face the Great Resignation , the report shows priorities shifting away from retaining and recruiting diverse talent .

“ We are seeing significant momentum in establishing and resourcing the critical role and executive function of office of diversity ,” said Tai Wingfield , Executive Vice President , Diversity , Equity and Inclusion , United Minds .

“ However , we also know that change takes time . A critical part of every diversity leader ’ s job continues to be getting buy-in on the importance of the work even as the business case is strengthened every day .”

The 2021 study reveals that since 2019 , senior DE & I leaders in the US are 2.6 times more likely to hold C-suite positions and oversee 4.5 times bigger teams . Globally , 86 % of senior DE & I leaders are satisfied with the resources invested in DE & I by their organisation , with 77 % reporting budgets of over US $ 10 million . In the US , nearly four in 10 ( 39 %) senior DE & I

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