The Adecco Foundation has released a new report titled “The State of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Strategies 2025: The Moment of Truth.” This document aims to guide companies on how to navigate a social and political context marked by polarization, where issues such as language, meritocracy, and cancel culture are central to public debate. According to the analysis presented, the year 2025 will be critical for organizations to reflect on their DE&I-related commitments in a scenario of geopolitical uncertainty.
Francisco Mesonero, general director of the Adecco Foundation, has emphasized that the current debate is diverting attention from the real problems society faces. The ideological struggle not only undermines social cohesion but also hinders the establishment of constructive dialogue. Controversial topics such as gender identity and immigration have become true cultural battlefields, deepening divisions in society.
The report highlights that Spain faces significant challenges, such as the fact that 26.5% of its population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Additionally, youth unemployment stands at a concerning 26.6%, highlighting the urgent need to address these issues from a DE&I perspective. To do this, the Foundation has outlined several key points that companies should consider in the development of their strategies.
Among the recommendations is the suggestion to adopt a 360º DE&I model that considers aspects such as cultural change, competitiveness, and socio-labor inclusion. Ethical leadership is another priority, with the essential promotion of values such as integrity and empathy within organizations. Furthermore, it is necessary to establish clear codes of conduct and create spaces that promote dialogue and diversity of ideas.
The report concludes by pointing out four key trends for 2025, emphasizing the urgency of depoliticizing DE&I initiatives, the importance of fostering an environment of psychological safety that allows for open debates, and the need to prioritize authentic ethics over mere appearance. The digital revolution and the advancement of artificial intelligence are also mentioned as factors that can offer both opportunities and challenges in the realm of diversity and inclusion.
This analysis by the Adecco Foundation serves as a call to proactive and ethical action in the pursuit of inclusion and equity in the business world, underscoring the importance of contributing to social well-being in an increasingly complex environment.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
