To maximize equity across the entire employee lifecycle, the first step is to recognize that people need more individualized approaches. Although many employers aspire to deliver such a tailored employee experience, it's an art few have mastered. Studies examining companies' progress in their diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) goals reflect this hard truth.

For instance, a recent survey from CNBC unveiled that 74% of Black executives say they saw a positive change in hiring, retention, and promotion of Black employees since George Floyd's murder in May 2020. Yet, in May 2023, Pew Research found that less than half of Black working adults in the U.S. say their company pays the right amount of attention to increasing DEI.