The majority of business leaders in Ireland plan to maintain and strengthen their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) despite a rollback of such commitments internationally.
A survey of 100 senior business leaders across private, public and semi-state organisations in Ireland by the Irish Management Institute (IMI) shows that 97 per cent of decision-makers plan to strengthen their organisation's diversity efforts.
In particular, nearly half (44 per) intend to increase investment in DEI programmes, while 54 per cent say they will maintain their current DEI initiatives and policies.
Amid reports of companies requiring employees to return to the office full-time, just five per cent of respondents believe mandating a full return will enhance productivity or drive growth.
This highlights a broader recognition that flexible work models are not only key to performance, but also to fostering inclusive, equitable workplaces that attract and retain diverse talent.
Nearly four in ten (39 per cent) decision makers believe that eliminating hybrid working policies would have a negative impact on workforce productivity and employee work-life balance.
Half (50 per cent) of leaders surveyed state that implementing full-time in office working policies will have a mixed impact on their organisation, which could improve collaboration but make it more challenging to attract top talent.
“What we’re seeing is a tale of two realities: as some countries, particularly the US, scale back their DE&I commitments, Ireland’s business leaders are choosing a different path—reinforcing their dedication to building diverse and inclusive workplaces," said Shane O'Sullivan, chief executive of IMI.
"Our survey clearly shows that, rather than stepping back, leaders in Ireland are doubling down on DE&I, recognising it as a strategic imperative.
“We welcome the growing recognition across the Irish business community of the transformative value of diversity and inclusion.
"As organisations strengthen their diversity efforts, embedding a culture of mentorship, upskilling, and inclusive leadership at every level will be key."
The findings come as the IMI announces the recipients of its 2025 scholarship programme with the 30% Club.
Through its long-term partnership with the 30% Club, the IMI awards two fully funded annual scholarships for its Autumn Diploma programmes, aimed at inspiring more inclusive and diverse business leadership in Ireland.
Suzanne Torsney, global head of internal communications and engagement at Primark, and Michele Bourke, programme manager, national clinical programmes for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, at the HSE, have been awarded this year’s scholarships.
"We are delighted to support Michele and Suzanne on their leadership journeys," said O'Sullivan.
"They've both demonstrated a thirst for lifelong learning, which has been an enabler in their careers to date, and this opportunity to expand their leadership skills, their capabilities, and forge new peer networks here at the IMI will no doubt be a huge boost to their career trajectories.
"They are two impressive women really making a difference in their organisations.”
The IMI is helping to provide tangible development opportunities for emerging and senior female leaders as an educational partner to the 30% Club Ireland's Advancing Women in Leadership programme and Network Mentor Programme (NMP).
The IMI is also helping to advance more diverse leadership through its tailored development programmes, such as its Inclusive Leadership programme.
Photo: Suzanne Torsney and Michele Bourke, recipients of this year’s IMI/30% Club Scholarships alongside Gary Berney, head of Marketing at IMI and Elizabeth Sheehan, country executive of the 30% Club. (Pic: Supplied)
