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03. TriNet PeopleForce Insights on DE&I

SMBs recognize the importance of a meaningful DE&I strategy.

Published: Oct 28, 2020

We have an opportunity now to seize the moment that we have and see if we can change this moment into something concrete.

- Eric H. Holder, Jr. 82nd Attorney General of the United States TriNet PeopleForce 2020

TriNet PeopleForce attendees listened to sessions on the critical role SMBs play in addressing systemic discrimination, and more importantly, how to take action. Former Attorney General Eric Holder shared his perspective on where we are as a country with respect to race and discrimination. We also listened to a panel with Nina Montee Karp, Founder of Happiest Baby, Lesley Slaton Brown, Chief Diversity Officer at Hewlett-Packard and Ralph Clark, President and CEO Shotspotter on how SMBs leaders play a pivotal role in creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. We also heard Princeton University professor, Eddie Glaude, discuss the heightened focus on workplace inequality, and much more. See the results of our live poll of attendees (each had between 28 to 308 respondents):

Has your company implemented any diversity, equity & inclusion (DE&I) training? (Respondents: 91)

  • 53% - No

  • 44% - Yes

  • 3% - Unsure

Do you feel comfortable openly talking about race at work? (Respondents: 161)

  • 63% - Yes

  • 29% - No

  • 9% - Unsure

How does diversity fare amongst all other company initiatives? (Respondents: 240)

  • 58% - Stronger than ever

  • 34% - Unsure

  • 8% - Losing strength

Do you seek diverse partners, suppliers and vendors? (Respondents: 58)

  • 67% - Yes

  • 33% - No

Is your employee base representative of your customers? (Respondents: 130)

  • 57% - Yes

  • 25% - Unsure

  • 18% - No

Do you feel your organization is ready to move past the idea of race equality as a philanthropic gesture? (Respondents: 66)

  • 50% - Yes, definitely

  • 35% - It's definitely something we need to work on

  • 15% - I haven’t given it much thought

How have you addressed the issue of diversity in your workplace? (Respondents: 96)

  • 43% - Built a culture of diversity and inclusion

  • 18% - We haven’t addressed the issue yet

  • 13% - Build a diverse leadership team

  • 13% - Provided diversity and inclusion training

  • 9% - Other

  • 4% - Developed support mechanisms so diverse talent can succeed

Are you going outside your immediate network to hire and find diverse candidates? (Respondents: 143)

  • 66% - Yes

  • 19% - No

  • 15% - I hadn’t really considered it until now

How important is criminal justice reform to you? (Respondents: 155)

  • 66% - Extremely Important

  • 19% - Somewhat Important

  • 12% - Important

  • 2% - Less Important

  • 1% - Not Important

To get access to the sessions, please visit trinet.com/peopleforce-event

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