Is DEI Going to Die? Introducing a New Index to Answer The Question ??

The value of diverse teams is well-researched and documented, but the real challenge has always been?the methods of assembling, engaging, and retaining them. After spending over a decade immersed in HR tech and workforce analytics, I've seen some diversity programs deliver incredible results. However, I've also witnessed misguided efforts, sometimes harming the organizations they aimed to help.

Is there a way for us to gauge how the field is responding to the changing policy tide? ??

In addition to potentially impacting millions of people, the change will impact DEI practitioners and HR tech providers'?product strategies and R&D investments.?The ripple effect will reshape roadmaps, messaging priorities, and even the survival of niche tools and analytics providers.

Here Are Some Facts:

? 32,000 professionals in the U.S. hold titles with terms like “Diversity,” “Equity,” or “Inclusion.” Nearly 750,000 list them as a skill, expertise, or passion, predominantly in HR, Talent Acquisition, and Procurement.

?? An estimated $3 billion in aggregate compensation is paid to DEI title holders annually. The total U.S. market size for DEI is estimated at $5 billion.

?? There are currently just over 700 active job postings for similar roles.

?? According to various trends monitoring tools, engagement with the topic has increased by 114% in the past 30 days and by over 363% in January 2025 vs. January 2024.

??Sentiment analysis shows a 60% rise in anger-related engagement with the topic in January 2025 compared to the 2024 average.

Introducing the DEI Index

To determine whether DEI is thriving or at risk, we developed a?composite DEI Index,?starting with December 2024 as the baseline. This index combines multiple data points to provide a clear, data-driven view of the field’s trajectory. I’ll publish this index monthly starting at the end of January.

The underlying data will evolve at different velocities. Popularity and sentiment are almost real-time; job openings predict the trend, and the number of professionals with related job titles will be the ultimate test. The goal remains understanding and anticipating how this critical field will adapt to changing tides.

Are we witnessing the extinction or the next evolution of DEI?

?? Comment below or message me if you would like to receive the monthly index update.

#DiversityAndInclusion #DEI #Leadership #HRTech #WorkforceAnalytics #FutureOfWork #Inclusion #DiversityLeadership #BusinessInnovation #ProductStrategy

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Data Sources: Linkedin, Salary.com, Indeed, Glassdoor, BuzzSumo, Research and Markets, and other publications.