Dive Brief:

• One in 2 employees only feel “somewhat valued” and 1 in 10 don’t feel “valued at all,” according to a January 2023 report by Workhuman. In its monthly Human Workplace Index, 46.4% reported the former and 10.7% reported the latter. 
• Notably, 48.8% of women surveyed said they feel undervalued.
• Additionally, at a rate of 49.3%, workers of color were more likely to tell Workhuman they felt undervalued compared to the average.

Dive Insight:

Based on emerging data, it’s no surprise that people of color and women are feeling exceptionally undervalued. Not only are burnout and financial anxiety on the rise — insights put forth by isolved’s 2023 HR trends report — but companies are starting to demonstrate a lack of care regarding diversity, equity and inclusion.

A Glassdoor DEI audit published at the end of 2022 suggested that the DEI progress ignited by the police shooting deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd — and the subsequent corporate antiracism conversations — has started to flicker. A chief economist for the job review company observed to HR Dive that “noncore functions” like HR, learning and development, and DEI are among first areas of business to suffer during economic decline.

Workhuman researchers noted the same, saying, “As economic uncertainty continues into the new year, these DEI initiatives are often some of the first to go, making this an invaluable opportunity for forward-thinking organizations to stand out amongst their competitors.”

Instead of letting DEI fall by the wayside, Workhuman experts suggested applying pressure. “Prioritizing an authentic culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging” is a solution for employees feeling undervalued, they said. This shift in talent strategy may have benefits that outlast the recession and the Great Resignation.

Researchers added, “A place where employees don’t feel valued likely isn’t a place they want to return to.”