Irish companies double down on DEI despite shift in the US

97% plan to strengthen efforts to become more diverse

Many of the world's largest companies, including a number with operations in Ireland, such as Google, Meta, Amazon and PepsiCo, have removed or scaled back their DEI policies.

The majority of Irish businesses plan to maintain or increase their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts despite a rollback in other parts of the world, particularly the US.

A survey of 100 senior business leaders across private, public, and semi-state organisations found 97% plan to strengthen their organisation’s diversity efforts. Almost half (44%) intend to increase investment in DEI programmes, while 54% say they will maintain their current initiatives and policies.

The survey by the Irish Management Institute (IMI) also found that 39% of decision makers believe eliminating hybrid working policies would have a negative impact on productivity and employee work-life balance.

“What we’re seeing is a tale of two realities," Shane O’Sullivan, CEO at IMI said. "As some countries, particularly the US, scale back their DEI commitments, Ireland’s business leaders are choosing a different path—reinforcing their dedication to building diverse and inclusive workplaces. Our survey clearly shows that, rather than stepping back, leaders in Ireland are doubling down on DEI, recognising it as a strategic imperative."

On hybrid working, just 5% of business leaders believe mandating a full return will enhance productivity or drive growth. This highlights a broader recognition that flexible work models are not only key to performance but also to fostering inclusive, equitable workplaces that attract and retain diverse talent. Half of the leaders surveyed state that implementing full-time in-office working policies will have a mixed impact on their organisation, which could improve collaboration but make it more challenging to attract top talent.

A number of executive orders signed by US President Donald Trump have rolled back DEI efforts in the US government and put pressure on businesses to make similar changes within their organisations. Many of the world's largest companies, including a number with operations in Ireland, such as Google, Meta, Amazon and PepsiCo, have removed or scaled back their DEI policies, including removing diversity goals.