Workers have quit due to pushback against diversity policies
Around 40% of large enterprises in Ireland have seen workers quit due to changes to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, new research shows, with almost half of companies with US operations scaling back references to DEI.
The results come on the back of a push back against DEI policies by the Trump administration and show a profound impact on businesses in Ireland as they weigh up following global trends or double down on their existing policies.
While 49% of companies reported increasing their commitment to DEI – with 56% regarding it as fundamental to the success of their organisation – some 42% believe there is too much focus being placed on it.
The uncertainty is impacting employees, with 47% of decision-makers admitting that individuals are worried about DEI becoming less important.
According to the research conducted by Censuswide, 40% of organisations operating in Ireland have eliminated since November 2024 – when US president Donald Trump took office - or plan to eliminate DEI targets completely. Almost half (49%) of enterprises who have operations in the US are removing references to DEI.
The research was carried out for global technology, engineering and consulting service provider Expleo, and surveyed 200 business and IT decision-makers in Ireland, in enterprises with more than 250 employees, as part of its business transformation index 2025.
'Committing to DEI is not easy. Shortcomings on targets can be demoralising and subject to board scrutiny. But if we abandon targets, we effectively stop holding ourselves to account,' said Expleo managing director for Ireland Phil Codd.
'However, we do have reason to be optimistic. A significant proportion of enterprise leaders said they are increasing their commitment to DEI in Ireland. These are the businesses who are going against the grain and making choices that are not only principled, but commercially smart. In doing so, they are positioning themselves as true leaders who are capable of attracting top talent in an employee market where DEI matters more than ever.'
Mr Codd said diversity brings tangible value to organisations by 'widening perspectives and challenging accepted norms. It is fundamental to the innovation we bring to our clients and our own revenue growth as a challenger in the IT services space in Ireland. It should be ingrained in the DNA of every organisation.'
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