The call for systemic change grows louder
Two years after the murder of George Floyd sparked nationwide demand for systemic change, America's racial justice movement continues to evolve. But while organizations announce DEI strategies and plans to recognize Juneteenth, Americans are making their expectations clear: they still see racism in their workplace, and they fear it in their communities.
For business, it’s a call to lead in driving real systemic change — in the workplace, in our communities, and beyond.
our U.S. CEO Lisa Osborne Ross’s perspective on how companies can go beyond performative action, via CNN.
Elevated fears and unanswered promises
67%
are concerned about systemic racism and racial injustice.
73%
believe systemic racism and racial injustice exist.
54%
believe companies aren't living up to their promises to address racism.
82%
expect CEOs to act in response to systemic racism and racial injustice.
From Words to Meaningful Action
Action earns trust
The majority of Americans under age 55 will support or avoid companies and employers based on their racism response and culture of inclusion.
Empower and embed DEI across operations
Employers must set clear DEI commitments, allocate resources, and provide support, access and visibility to DEI leaders.
CEOs must show personal commitment
The CEO must set the tone and demonstrate a personal commitment to get educated about systemic racism, and to create accountability and action.
Drive structural and cultural change
Go beyond the words to show measurable progress on representation, create an inclusive workplace culture and enforce zero tolerance of discrimination.
More Insights
On racism, the time for business to lead is now
Lisa Osborne Ross
Just over two years ago, Corporate America found itself at a crossroads. As Americans rose up in the streets to acknowledge the violent truths about our country’s painful manifestations of everyday racism, leaders were forced to look critically at their marketing, their hiring, their supply chains, and—perhaps most critically—themselves.  Â
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RESEARCH BY NUMBERS
The survey was fielded between April 19 and 26, 2021 with additional data collected between May 17 and 20, 2022, the week following the May 14 Tops grocery store shooting in Buffalo, NY.
2,000
U.S. Respondents
4
Racial & Ethnic Segments
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