Similar surveys have shown that diversity is not a strategic priority for leaders despite evidence that strong diversity and inclusion improves the bottom line as well as productivity. Companies that had high racial diversity congruence — having matching levels of representation in upper management and lower management — had the highest levels of productivity, according to a study published June 9 in the Academy of Management Journal. 

But even companies that say they create empowering environments that encourage belonging may have a perception problem in their workplaces; while a majority of leaders in a June Accenture report stated they created such environments at their workplaces, only 36% of employees agreed. A May survey from Clutch noted that employers may be focusing on "small elements of diversity" instead of specific diversity initiatives, such as improving LGBTQ awareness.