Millennials@Work: Perspectives on Diversity & Inclusion – New IPR & Weber Shandwick Research

Nearly Half of American Millennials Say a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace is an Important Factor in a Job Search

By CommPRO Editorial Staff

Research released today from the Institute for Public Relations (IPR) and leading global communications and engagement firm Weber Shandwick found distinct differences between Millennials and older generations in their experiences and attitudes toward diversity and inclusion at work. The survey reveals the importance that Millennials place on diversity and inclusion (D&I) when considering a new job—47 percent of Millennials consider the D&I of a workplace an important criterion in their job search compared to 33 percent of Gen Xers and 37 percent of Boomers.

Millennials Tune-In to Discrimination Issues at WorkNearly six in 10 of all employed Americans (58 percent) report that they see or hear about some form of discrimination and/or bias at their workplace, most frequently racial or ethnic in nature (22 percent). Millennials are significantly more likely than older generations to be attuned to such behavior at work, and also much more comfortable discussing D&I issues at work than their older colleagues.According to Sarab Kochhar, Ph.D., Director of Research at Institute for Public Relations, “The findings indicate how Millennials understand and are transforming traditional concepts of diversity and inclusion.”IPR Trustee and Weber Shandwick’s Chief Reputation Strategist Leslie Gaines-Ross added: “It has long been understood that diversity and inclusion initiatives are essential for business success but also for career choices being made by Millennials.” 

Forms of Discrimination or Bias See/Hear About Most Frequently at Work (Top 5)
	Employed Millennials	Employed Gen Xers	Employed Boomers
	%	%	%
Any of the following (net)	69*	57	46
Racial/ethnic	27*	21	14
Gender	23*	16	13
Age	22	15	16
Sexual orientation/gender identity	21*	14	9
Job type, title, occupation	17	11	12
“I am comfortable discussing diversity and inclusion in the workplace” (% agree)	64	57	54

*Statistically significantly higher than other generationsDiversity and Inclusion Makes for a Better Place to WorkThe survey asked respondents why they believe employers emphasize diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All three generations cited “To make it a better place to work” among their top three reasons. Millennials also recognize increased opportunities while reputational benefits and outside pressures are noticed by Gen Xers and Boomers. 

	Reasons Employers Emphasize Diversity and Inclusion (Top 3)
	Employed Millennials	Employed Gen Xers	Employed Boomers
#1	To make it a better place to work in general (38%)	To increase opportunities for all employees (27%)	To make it a better place to work in general (29%)
#2	To increase opportunities for all employees (31%)	To make it a better place to work in general (25%) Because of outside pressures (25%)	To make themselves look better/improve their reputation (26%)
#3	To improve employee morale (28%)	To make themselves look better/improve their reputation (21%)	Because of outside pressures (25%)

 The Business Case for Diversity and InclusionMillennials also see the business benefits of D&I, as they are significantly more likely than Gen Xers and Boomers to say “To improve overall business performance” (27 percent vs. 18 percent and 20 percent, respectively) as a reason employers invest in D&I.Given the importance of D&I at work to Millennials in particular, employers should consider better communications of their D&I activities to their employees. Fewer than half of all employees (44 percent) agree that their employer does a good job communicating its D&I goals, programs and initiatives, with a scant 12 percent strongly agreeing.Diversity at Work Means a More Diverse LifeAlthough not every employee has a diverse workplace, one-third of employees (34 percent) acknowledge that they have more diversity at work than in other aspects of their personal life outside of work. This finding suggests that employees are exposed to different cultures and lifestyles at work that they might not normally be.Andy Polansky, CEO of Weber Shandwick, weighed in on the importance of recognizing the Millennial preference for working in a diverse, culturally-rich and inclusive workplace: “Weber Shandwick understands that having a healthy and successful workplace where people want to work requires a climate based on diversity, respect and inclusion of differences. To have an impact, leaders must listen attentively to all employees and foster genuine dialogue in good times and bad, something we consider essential to our values and responsibilities. The Millennial viewpoint provided in this research gives us deeper insights into building a better environment that benefits everyone.”Tina McCorkindale, President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations, says: “A recent study by Dr. Dean Mundy for IPR found that leadership is key, and leaders must be visibly involved in diversity efforts and reflect diversity themselves. Dialogue about diversity and inclusion must be maintained and embedded long-term in all functions to be shown as something that is valued rather than managed. IPR is committed to championing fairness, diversity, and inclusion in the profession through our programs and research. Researching generational differences is one way to do that.”