Attitudes on diversity in the workplace vary depending on the race, gender and political affiliation of who’s being asked, according to results of a survey released March 15 by Taft Communications and the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University–New Brunswick.

The State of Diversity public opinion survey found that most viewed racial and gender diversity as important in the workplace, with 53% of respondents saying each are very important; 30% saying each are somewhat important; and about 1 in 10 and 1 in 20, respectively, saying these types of diversity are not very important or not at all important.

The poll found demographic-based divisions, with Democrats (63%) more likely than independents (54%) and Republicans (36%), and women (58%) more likely than men (48%), to say racial and ethnic diversity is “very important” in the workplace. Three-quarters of Black respondents say it is “very important” (75%), compared with 48% of white respondents and 55% of Hispanic respondents.

The poll found similar results regarding gender diversity, with Democrats (66%) more likely than independents (48%) and Republicans (33%), and women (58%) more likely than men (44%), to say gender diversity is “very important” to have in the workplace. Three-quarters of Black respondents (75%) say it is “very important,” compared to 48% of white respondents and 49% of Hispanic respondents.

The survey was commissioned by Lawrence Township-based Taft Communications and conducted from Jan. 4 to Jan. 11, with nearly 1,400 respondents.

“After five years of observing these trends in our home state of New Jersey, we were excited to expand our State of Diversity survey nationally to see how workers across the country view these critical issues,” said Taft CEO Ted Deutsch in a prepared statement. “While there are many encouraging macro findings related to DEI in the workplace, the divide in perceptions by race, gender, politics, and sexual orientation are a distressing confirmation of the increased polarization we see in so many aspects of American society.”

Ashley Koning, assistant research professor and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, added, “It is more important today than ever to measure and quantify workers’ views on diversity in the workplace and begin to assess whether real progress is being made or we are just saying the right things. In this benchmark survey, we see markedly different personal experiences and perceptions of the workplace, remote work, and the pandemic’s impact, as well as opinions on what employers should do to support workplace diversity.”

When it comes to workplace discrimination, around 7 in 10 respondents say they feel everyone they work with is treated the same when it comes to various aspects of the workplace, regardless of their race, gender, or sexual preference: 75% say so about the amount and quality of work assignments; 73% about being invited to employee social activities; 71% each about career advancement and promotion, being disciplined, and being invited to client meetings; and 69% each about being valued and listened to and salaries and raises.

Regarding the amount and quality of work assignments, Democrats (22%) and independents (19%) are more likely than Republicans (12%) to say some employees are treated differently. About 3 in 10 Black respondents (31%) say some employees are treated differently, compared with 16% of white and 21% of Hispanic respondents.

Regarding invitations to social activities, Republicans (80%), men (77%), and employed individuals who do not have a disability (75%) are most likely to say that all employees are treated the same in the workplace. Interestingly, while only 15% of executives and 14% of employees in non-management positions say that some employees are treated differently than others, a quarter (25%) of those in management maintain this stance.

The final report is available online.