Survey Says: Sustaining Momentum of DEI Efforts.

• Author: Coffill, Eric J.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) have become pivotal pillars in today's corporate landscape, driving organizations to foster a more inclusive work environment. To better understand who our members are, how they feel their places of work demonstrate DE&I practices and what practices and career obstacles they may face, CalCPA conducted Stand Up and Be Counted: CalCPA DE&I Baseline Membership Survey 2022.

The results of the anonymous survey include a snapshot of members, overall comfort with workplace environments, specific practices and feedback on how CalCPA can better serve its members.

"We cannot build a strong and united community without acknowledging the unique perspectives and backgrounds of our members," said David Neighbors, CPA, chair of the CalCPA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission and Private Client Services Partner at BDO USA, LLP.

"This survey serves as a compass, guiding us toward a more equitable and connected future. By understanding the challenges our members face, we can actively work toward breaking down barriers and building bridges of understanding."

High-level View

Overall survey results reveal a substantial share of CalCPA members support DE&I efforts in their workplaces, both in terms of hiring practices and healthy workplace policies. Many companies and firms are reported to be applying good DE&I practices and there is evidence such practices arc seen to be good for business. Many members of protected class communities also feel that where they work is safe and comfortable for them.

That said, as many as one in five employees have recently left a firm or company, many of whom encountered prejudicial behaviors.

Characteristics of CalCPA Members

Public accounting is the focus of nearly 60 percent of members, an additional 17 percent serve in business and industry-roles and the remaining percentage is scattered across government, education, nonprofit and consulting functions, or are retired or students. As for career stage, 46 percent call themselves decision makers, 23 percent are mid-career professionals and 9 percent arc emerging professionals.

CalCPA members overwhelmingly identify in traditional binary terms, with nearly equal proportions assigning themselves to male and female identities. "No binary" identification is just below 1 percent, and one in 13 declined to identify in some way. Small percentages say they are members of the LOBTQIA community (4 percent) or in a protected class (4 percent).

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