In the face of DEI backlash, belonging plays a key role to future success
- Written by Andrea Carter, Adjunct Faculty in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Adler University
Diversity, equity and inclusion[1] efforts have become increasingly visible[2] in U.S. workplaces, especially over the past five years. However, DEI has recently come under attack[3], with companies scaling back their DEI plans[4].
As a professor of organizational psychology[5], I believe businesses should refine rather than abandon these efforts. Introducing a powerful concept, “belonging,” could hold the key.
Although people mistakenly use “belonging” and “inclusion” interchangeably, their differences matter a lot – and can have a significant impact on employee satisfaction and organizational success.
What DEI is and why it’s struggling
Diversity initiatives have a long history[6] in American workplaces, but it’s only recently that “DEI” has become a buzzword[7]. DEI refers to policies and initiatives implemented by organizations to ensure fair treatment of and full participation by all people.
Adoption of formal DEI programs has seen significant growth. In 2019, around 64%[8] of organizations had some form of DEI initiative. By 2023, this rose to 89%[9], demonstrating a clear upward trend.
Research[10] shows that companies with diverse teams are 70% more likely to capture new markets and are 87% better[11] at making decisions. Additionally, 85% of CEOs[12] report diverse workforces improving profitability. Despite this, a trend of businesses and schools significantly or completely eradicating their DEI initiatives has become prevalent in 2024[13].
What happened? While external factors contributed to the backlash, including political pressure[14] and a changed legal environment[15], research suggests that problems with how DEI is conceptualized and practiced[16] also bear a fair share of the blame.
Misunderstanding DEI
While diversity and inclusion are often well-intentioned, many organizations that approached change initiatives solely through diversity metrics have failed[17]. Effective DEI strategy focuses on learning and development, mentorship, and allyship, extending beyond race and gender. The challenge comes from narrow views of DEI, driving oversimplifications and zero-sum thinking[18].
For example, people have multiple intersecting identities, with complex traits that often depend on social context. But some DEI efforts ignore that complexity, reducing employees to a single category, such as gender, race, age or disability status. That leaves people, regardless of whether they feel included in “ingroups” or “outgroups,” feeling diminished[19].
Similarly, research shows[20] that people’s actions and opportunities are strongly influenced by their environment. But too often, DEI efforts place the responsibility for growth entirely on individuals[21]. That actually reinforces people’s biases because group dynamics and social structures shape collective behaviors.
When models fail to distribute accountability[22] and responsibility effectively, collective behavior will uphold toxic environments[23].
To be fair, not all organizations have fallen into these traps. Those with leaders that adopted a more contemporary understanding[24] of power and bias have developed more effective strategies for employees to thrive.
My research suggests that for DEI initiatives to succeed, respect and fairness[25] must be present. These requirements are rooted in the foundations of belonging.
DEI’s evolution: Integrating belonging for lasting impact
While belonging is related to inclusion, research shows it’s much more than just a synonym[26].
Inclusion may focus on being seen, accepted and valued within a team or community. Belonging goes deeper, involving a genuine sense of connection and identity within a group.
To truly experience belonging, it’s not enough to feel included; my research shows that five critical indicators must also be present[27].
These elements ensure that individuals feel a deep, meaningful attachment to the group, which inclusion alone cannot fully achieve. This distinction underscores that belonging is a unique and essential experience[28], distinct from inclusion, and critical for fostering a truly cohesive and supportive environment.
So what are the five indicators of belonging? They are comfort, connection, contribution, psychological safety and well-being[29], and all of them can be measured.
