What impact do DEI policy rollbacks have on the workplace?

Companies that have rolled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies are creating hostile work environments, leading to increased stigma, bias, and decreased productivity among employees.

How did Fortune 500 companies fare in the Corporate Equality Index?

Participation in the Corporate Equality Index (CEI) among Fortune 500 companies dropped significantly, with a 65 percent decrease from 2025 to 2026, indicating a hesitancy to report on DEI practices.

What are the financial implications for companies with strong DEI commitments?

Companies that score highly in the Corporate Equality Index and maintain commitments to DEI have an eight times higher net income than their lower-scoring peers.

Home / Business and Economy / DEI Rollbacks Hurt Workers, Companies: HRC Study

DEI Rollbacks Hurt Workers, Companies: HRC Study

5 Feb

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Summary

Workplace hostility increased significantly in companies cutting DEI.
Productivity drops sharply for workers at companies ending DEI.
Fortune 500 DEI policy participation plummeted from 2025 to 2026.

DEI Rollbacks Hurt Workers, Companies: HRC Study

A recent Human Rights Campaign Foundation study reveals that companies abandoning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies are fostering hostile environments for employees. This shift, influenced by external pressures in 2025, has led to increased scrutiny of DEI practices.

Researchers found that 39.1 percent of surveyed U.S. workers indicated their employers had rolled back DEI. At these companies, 54.2 percent of workers experienced stigma or bias, compared to 24.9 percent in organizations maintaining DEI. This hostility correlates with reduced productivity and higher turnover risk, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals.