Valuing DEI Insights Amidst Strife in the Middle East

This document is a report detailing the findings from an Employee Voice Session (EVS) conducted by Seramount, focusing on the experiences and concerns of DEI leaders during the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The report outlines that only 30% of participant organizations have made public statements, while 74% have issued internal communications. It presents insights from over 100 DEI executives who participated in the session, highlighting the challenges they face, including extreme opinions among employees and concerns about leadership messaging. The report emphasizes the importance of DEI involvement in crisis communication, noting that many participants felt that their initial messages lacked balance and inclusivity. Additionally, it discusses the role of safe spaces in facilitating open dialogue and the need for organizations to address employee concerns meaningfully. The report concludes with a call for organizations to consider conducting their own EVS sessions to better understand employee perspectives.