Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has been at the forefront of corporate conversations for years. But as economic pressures rise and priorities shift, some businesses are quietly—or not so quietly—scaling back their efforts. The big question is: can they afford to?
The latest Women in the Workplace report from McKinsey & Company and Lean In offers a sobering reflection on the state of DEI. As it marks a decade of tracking progress, the findings reveal two things—where we’ve made strides and, more urgently, where we’re still falling short.
This decade-long analysis brings both optimism and concern. Yes, there are more women in senior leadership, and awareness of workplace bias has improved. But many challenges remain—and in some areas, progress has stalled or worsened.
Some organisations may see DEI as a ‘nice to have’—something that can be scaled back when times get tough. But the reality is, embedding DEI into workplace culture isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a business-critical strategy.
Here’s why DEI should remain a top priority:
The bottom line? Businesses that take their foot off the DEI accelerator now risk falling behind—not just in inclusivity,
but in performance, innovation, and talent retention.
"McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace report is now in its 10th year—and while we’ve made some progress, many of the same barriers still exist. Women are entering leadership roles at higher rates, but the ‘broken rung’ remains a major obstacle. For women of colour, the barriers are even higher. And now, one of the biggest enablers of gender equality—flexibility—is at risk of being rolled back.
Over the past decade, we’ve seen both successes and stagnation. That’s why DEI initiatives aren’t just
‘nice-to-haves’—they are essential for creating fairer, more effective workplaces. Companies that prioritise inclusion don’t just build stronger cultures—they perform better, retain talent for longer, and foster real innovationI’ve seen firsthand the difference genuine support makes—careers flourish, businesses grow, and industries transform. But change doesn’t happen on its own. It takes action, accountability, and real commitment.
At SmartPA, we don’t just talk about empowerment—we live it. Our model is built on flexibility,
opportunity, and inclusion, ensuring women can thrive at every stage of their careers.
After 10 years of data, one thing is clear: we can’t afford to stand still."
For DEI to deliver real change, organisations need to move beyond the rhetoric and commit to meaningful action. Here’s where to start:
1. Fix the Broken Rung – Prioritise fair promotion policies, invest in leadership sponsorship, and hold managers accountable for creating equal opportunities.
2. Build Inclusive Cultures – Tackle unconscious bias, foster open conversations, and ensure that DEI is everyone’s responsibility, not just an HR initiative.
3. Address Pipeline Gaps – Implement targeted strategies to support women at all career stages, particularly at the key first promotion into management.
4. Invest in Leadership Development – Equip women with the skills, networks, and opportunities to step into senior roles.
5. Ensure Accountability – DEI progress should be measurable. Embed it into leadership KPIs and hold decision-makers accountable for driving change.
A decade of data shows us, vividly, that achieving real change doesn’t happen by chance—it requires continuous commitment, effort, and accountability. As some organisations continue to backtrack on their DEI initiatives, the risk isn’t just slowing down progress—it’s undoing it altogether and losing hard-won ground. Without real commitment, the gaps will widen, opportunities will shrink, and talent will walk away.
The question isn’t whether businesses can afford to prioritise DEI. It’s whether they can afford not to.
SmartPA leads the transformation of admin and business support services through technology and education, while our mission is to unleash potential by supporting young people and women to become business role models for future generations. Powered by a global team of passionate and accredited SmartPAs, we accelerate the success of over 5,000 businesses worldwide, delivering impactful outsourced support that allows organisations to focus on what they do best. With a Centre of Excellence in the UK, near shore hubs in South Africa and Uganda, and an offshore hub in Malaysia, we are dedicated to making a difference.
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