40% of large businesses in Ireland lost employees due to diversity policy changes

Eva Osborne

40 per cent of large enterprises in Ireland have experienced employee resignations due to recent changes to their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in Ireland, according to a new survey.

The survey, from global technology, engineering, and consulting service provider Expleo, got responses from 200 business and IT decision-makers in Ireland.

It found that the issue of DEI is having a profound impact on businesses in Ireland as they weigh up following global trends, versus doubling down on their existing policies.

The research, conducted by Censuswide, found that large enterprises in Ireland are divided on how to address DEI.

While 49 per cent said they are increasing their commitment to DEI – and 56 per cent said it is fundamental to the success of their organisation – some 42 per cent believe there is too much focus being placed on it.

This uncertainty is already impacting employees, with 47 per cent of decision-makers admitting that individuals are worried about DEI becoming less important.

Since November 2024, 40 per cent of organisations operating in Ireland have already eliminated, or have planned to eliminate, DEI targets completely. And, of those who include employee pronouns in email signatures, 50 per cent are removing them.

Furthermore, almost half (49 per cent) of enterprises who have operations in the US are removing references to DEI that may get them into difficulty Stateside.

Managing director for Ireland, Expleo, Phil Codd: said: “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.

“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.

“We see first-hand at Expleo, by enriching our workforces, 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. It is time for companies to boldly go forward and embrace DEI at a time when it is under attack.”