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February 19th, 2021 · 3 min read
Diversity in the workplace statistics you need to know in 2023

In 2023, companies continue to break new ground and open doors of opportunity with workforce education that delivers business value, as well as cultural and social impact. In this dynamic environment, it’s crucial to keep updated with the latest trends.
This is part one of our blog series on workforce education statistics that you need to know to develop and execute programs that build a resilient, thriving workforce.
Diversity in the workplace statistics
Here are some diversity in the workplace statistics that employers need to be aware of to shape life-changing employee education programs that advance equality and help address opportunity gaps.
Diversity in the workplace statistics related to education
- 92% of business leaders agree a strategic workforce education program should help an organization achieve its diversity and inclusion goals. (InStride)
- Individuals with bachelor’s degrees will earn $400,000 more in their lifetimes than those with only high school diplomas. (College Board)
- Black and most other minority students are less likely to graduate with a degree than white students. 54% of Asian Americans, 35% of white Americans, 15% of Hispanic Americans, and 21% of Black Americans have completed a bachelor’s or higher degree. (National Center for Education Statistics)
- COVID-19 has exacerbated the already uneven work equity gaps. Women’s jobs are 1.8 times more vulnerable to this crisis than men’s jobs. Women make up 39% of global employment but account for 54% of overall job losses. (McKinsey)
- 69% of executives rate diversity and inclusion as an important issue. (Glassdoor)
- 44% of Black and 61% of Hispanic individuals experienced job and wage loss throughout the pandemic. (Strada)
- Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely than white Americans to enroll in education and training programs in the coming months across learning providers. (Strada)
- When over the age of 25, 68% of white Americans have the necessary education and skills to access most good jobs compared to only 39% of Hispanic Americans and 55% of Black Americans. (National Center for Education Statistics)
Company performance diversity in the workplace statistics
- Corporations identified as more diverse and inclusive are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors. (McKinsey)
- Diverse companies are 70% more likely to capture new markets. (HBR)
- Diverse teams are 87% better at making decisions. (People Management)
- Diverse management teams lead to 19% higher revenue. (BCG)
Gender diversity in the workplace statistics
- 6.6% of all Fortune 500 companies have women as their CEOs. (Fortune)
- Companies employing an equal number of men and women manage to produce up to 41% higher revenue. (Clear Company)
- The GDP could increase 26% by equally diversifying the workforce. (McKinsey)
- Gender-diverse companies are 15% more likely to notice higher financial returns. (McKinsey)
- 40% of people believe there is a double standard against women. (Clear Company)
- Only 23% of C-Suites are made up of women. (Women in the Workplace)
Importance of diversity in the workplace for job seekers statistics
- 2 out of 3 job candidates seek companies that have diverse workforces. (Glassdoor)
- 74% of millennial employees believe their organization is more innovative when it has a culture of inclusion, and 47% actively look for diversity and inclusion when sizing up potential employers. (Deloitte)
Workplace inclusivity statistics
- 78% of employees who responded to a Harvard Business Review study said they work at organizations that lack diversity in leadership positions. (HBR)
- 45% of American workers experienced discrimination and/or harassment in the past year. (Gallup)
- Inclusive companies are 1.7 times more likely to be innovative. (Josh Bersin)
- Inclusive companies get 2.3 times more cash flow per employee. (Josh Bersin)
- Millennials are 83% more likely to be engaged at work at inclusive companies. (Deloitte)
By providing equal access to education, companies have the opportunity to promote diversity and inclusion, which is a win-win-win for organizations, individuals and society. Benefits from these initiatives include more sales revenue and innovation, increased social mobility and employee engagement, as well as higher profits.
To learn more about the role of workforce education in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, check out our e-book, How to rethink skill-building to support DE&I.
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See how a partnership with InStride can meet the challenges of tomorrow, with action today.