Navigating DEI in a polarized era: How inclusive workplaces drive employee retention

As DEI efforts face growing pressure in a shifting economic and political climate, many organizations risk losing momentum just as employees are expecting more. In today’s competitive job market, retaining top talent goes far beyond pay and perks-  it requires inclusive cultures where people feel safe, heard, and valued. In this interview, Global Talent Strategist and HR Consultant Dorothy Dalton shares how companies can move past performative DEI and build the kind of  psychosocial safety and leadership alignment that drives long-term retention.

How does a company's approach to diversity and inclusion impact its ability to retain talent long term?

DEI is absolutely critical at every stage of the talent process-  from attraction to retention. Underrepresented groups are drawn to companies that genuinely support D&I. But it can’t just be a tick-box exercise. Organizations need to go beyond performative efforts and actually create psychological safety- where people feel they belong, are accepted, and have a voice.

If a company claims to support D&I but doesn't follow through systemically-  for instance, if women are being bullied, people are burning out, or reorganizations are brutal- it erodes trust and impacts retention.

You can’t have high retention or engagement in a toxic culture. Systems and policies must not only exist but be understood and used properly- like bullying protocols that are trauma-informed, with people trained to respond empathetically.

Line managers especially need training. Workplace behaviors often become normalized even when they’re non-inclusive. Microaggressions are a big issue.

Another key point: organizations need to ask employees what they want. Old perks like foosball tables or Friday drinks aren’t enough. People may want flexible work, hybrid options, or better family leave. If leaders don’t keep up, employees will drive change instead — and no leadership team wants that.

As hybrid and remote work become more common, how should companies rethink retention in a distributed environment?

It’s still about leadership- with clarity and intention. Remote or hybrid work only functions well if the policies are clear, role-modeled by leadership, and structured with purpose. If people are asked to come to the office, it needs to be for meaningful human interaction- not to sit behind a screen.

Many leaders weren’t trained to manage remote teams. Post-COVID, we ran inclusive leadership programs for that exact reason. Planning is critical, especially with hot-desking or shared workspaces. Time together should be outcome-focused.

How can companies better align their culture and values with retention efforts to create more meaningful employee experiences?

Culture and values must be lived, not just stated. If a company promotes values like innovation, inclusivity, and work-life balance, but the actual workplace culture is toxic or dismissive of those values, employees won’t stick around.

Leaders need to role-model inclusive behaviors. When employees see their leaders embracing the company values, it strengthens the overall culture. Employees need to feel heard, supported, and that their work aligns with a greater purpose. This creates engagement and drives retention.

What can individual managers do differently to make a lasting impact on their team’s engagement and loyalty?

Managers play a huge role in retention. If your company doesn’t offer any support for new managers, that’s a red flag. While companies should provide internal training and resources to support new managers- especially given their critical role in employee retention- there are also plenty of valuable free resources available externally.

Listening is the most important skill for any manager, especially new ones. Managers need to actively listen to their teams, ask the right questions, and observe group dynamics. Notice who dominates, who’s left out, who’s interrupted — and make sure everyone has a voice.

Managers should also focus on recognizing and celebrating individual contributions. Small actions like rotating who runs meetings and showing that everyone adds value can significantly boost inclusion and engagement.

What are some emerging retention strategies you’re seeing that move beyond compensation and benefits?

People today are more conscious than ever of how they are treated at work. . They want to feel a sense of belonging and be respected. This means organizations need to move away from outdated retention strategies that focus only on compensation and benefits.

Instead, companies should invest in wellbeing programs, mental health support, and flexible work that truly meets employee needs. They should also focus on leadership development and career growth opportunities- employees want to know there’s a path forward for them.

Retention is also about building meaningful relationships within teams and promoting psychological safety. When people feel they can be themselves and contribute freely, they're far more likely to stay.

Looking ahead, how do you see DEI evolving as a strategic pillar in HR, and what impact will that have on retention over the next decade?

DEI is only going to become more critical in the next decade. The future of HR will revolve around creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. The emphasis will shift from simply hiring diverse talent to fostering inclusive cultures that truly support and grow diverse employees.

Increased focus on psychological safety and belonging will be key for retention. If employees feel supported, heard, and seen, they’ll be more likely to stay long-term. Companies that get this right will not only retain diverse talent, but they’ll also experience better business performance, innovation, and overall employee satisfaction.

What’s your prediction for the future of HR? Where do you see the field heading in the next 5 to 10 years?

HR will become much more strategic in the next 5-10 years. Rather than just focusing on administrative functions, HR will lead the way in driving organizational culture, talent development, and employee wellbeing.

HR will be instrumental in creating agile, inclusive workforces that can adapt to rapidly changing environments. Technology will play a huge role in shaping HR practices, but the human element — empathy, understanding, and connection — will remain at the heart of HR strategy.

Ultimately, HR will evolve from being a support function to a core driver of business success.

Key Takeaways for HR Leaders:

1. Invest in systemic D&I initiatives- ensure that policies, behaviors, and systems are aligned and communicated clearly to build trust.
2. Role-model inclusive leadership- leaders should embody the company’s values and set the tone for culture, especially in remote or hybrid settings.
3. Prioritize psychological safety- create an environment where employees feel seen, heard, and supported.
4. Focus on leadership development and career growth opportunities- this will foster long-term engagement and retention.
5. Support new managers with training and resources to help them listen, recognize contributions, and create inclusive teams.
6. Embrace DEI as a strategic pillar- it will drive both retention and innovation, and it’s essential for the future success of the organization.

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