3 charts that show what has happened to DEI roles — and DEI pros

Core Insights - The field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has experienced significant changes, with some employers stepping back from DEI goals due to stakeholder pressure and government scrutiny [1] - DEI roles have seen a decline, with approximately 6,000 roles in 2017 peaking at over 13,000 in July 2022, before dropping to just under 11,000 recently [2][3] Group 1: DEI Role Trends - The number of DEI professionals in corporate America has decreased, with many leaving DEI roles for different positions, while nearly 40% remained with their employers in non-DEI roles [3][4] - The expertise gained in DEI roles is being redirected to other areas within organizations, indicating that the work of fostering equitable and inclusive environments continues despite the decline in DEI-specific positions [4] Group 2: Transition of DEI Professionals - Most former DEI professionals transitioned to roles within human resources, while some shifted to other fields such as public affairs and marketing [5][6] - Employers with DEI teams reported higher employee satisfaction and improved workplace culture ratings, suggesting the importance of embedding DEI knowledge within organizations for growth and adaptability [6] Group 3: Strategic Importance of DEI - The report emphasizes that the critical question is not whether companies can afford to prioritize DEI, but whether they can afford not to [7]