{"id":13469,"date":"2025-05-23T08:30:23","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T14:30:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/board.org\/?p=13469"},"modified":"2026-01-30T01:16:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T07:16:22","slug":"dei-in-impact-reporting-early-takeaways-from-the-2025-reporting-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/board.org\/esg-csr\/resources\/dei-in-impact-reporting-early-takeaways-from-the-2025-reporting-season\/","title":{"rendered":"DEI in Impact Reporting: Early Takeaways From the 2025 Reporting Season"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]<strong>Key takeaways:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><span class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW130303172 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW130303172 BCX0\">Most enterprises are keeping DEI-related info in their reports<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW130303172 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW130303172 BCX0\">, but <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW130303172 BCX0\">nearly two-thir<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW130303172 BCX0\">ds<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW130303172 BCX0\">of leaders are changing how they present it.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW130303172 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW120557508 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW120557508 BCX0\"><strong>Terminology is shifting<\/strong>, with some teams leaning toward<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW120557508 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW120557508 BCX0\">\u00a0words like \u201cbelonging and inclusion,\u201d \u201cculture,\u201d or \u201ccorporate impact.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW120557508 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><strong><span class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW241044374 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW241044374 BCX0\">Legal teams are more involved in impact reporting than ever.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW241044374 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW241044374 BCX0\"> Formal review processes and cross-functional working groups are helping teams stay aligned and compliant. <\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW241044374 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;Full Width Line&#8221; line_thickness=&#8221;1&#8243; divider_color=&#8221;default&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\n<p data-start=\"492\" data-end=\"678\">With <a href=\"https:\/\/board.org\/dei\/resources\/executive-orders-are-reshaping-dei-strategies-heres-how-to-stay-ahead\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">executive orders<\/a>, increased scrutiny, and public sentiment reshaping the conversation around DEI, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), and social impact, leaders are evaluating what DEI data to disclose and how to do it responsibly.<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One thing is clear: DEI still matters to stakeholders, but the expectations around language and framing are evolving fast.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That\u2019s why the ESG &amp; CSR Board brought senior ESG, sustainability, and social impact leaders together for a confidential conversation. Members discussed how they\u2019re navigating a more complex environment for impact reporting in 2025.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The takeaway? While few are backing away from the work, many are rethinking how to frame it, where to place it, and how to align with business strategy in a way that\u2019s both defensible and authentic.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW139177053 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW139177053 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">DEI <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW139177053 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">Isn&#8217;t<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW139177053 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\"> Going Away, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW139177053 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">but<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW139177053 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\"> Its Presentation Is Changing<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW139177053 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One clear takeaway from our confidential discussion with ESG &amp; CSR Board members: DEI will continue to have a place in ESG reports, even if its footprint may be changing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When we polled leaders on whether they\u2019re adjusting how they present DEI-related efforts this year, nearly two-thirds said yes.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;13471&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]<span class=\"TextRun SCXW254778815 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW254778815 BCX0\">How are they adapting? <\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW254778815 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Integrating DEI data<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> where it connects most clearly to business strategy. For example, within broader talent narratives<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reporting the same metrics<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> as previous years, but with greater care around what gets highlighted up front.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shifting DEI data<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to the back of reports or scaling back references to specific goals.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW124045167 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW124045167 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">Despite the Changing Environment<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange SCXW124045167 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW124045167 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW124045167 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">,<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW124045167 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW124045167 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">Diversity is <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW124045167 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">S<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW124045167 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">till a Stakeholder Priority<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW124045167 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While the landscape around DEI commitments remains in flux, leaders reaffirmed that diversity is still a stakeholder priority. One member successfully advocated for keeping DEI information in their reports based on a recent double materiality study showing diversity as a top stakeholder issue.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These sentiments align with a recent <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/go.board.org\/2025-state-of-dei-report-part\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">DEI Board report<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, where 81% of responding DEI leaders said stakeholder support is remaining steady, and leadership support actually increased.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;13472&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW1988850 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW1988850 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">How Do You Ensure Compliance with Uncertain Legal Directives?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW1988850 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Perhaps the most pressing concern voiced by ESG leaders is the current ambiguity around federal compliance requirements. Members agreed that what compliance looks like with federal directives is really unclear.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This challenge is particularly acute around parity goals and ensuring these aren&#8217;t misconstrued as quotas. One member described their team&#8217;s time-consuming process of working through all the various ways a goal, language, or program could get construed in a way that looks noncompliant. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Despite these complexities, their company&#8217;s commitment to equity remains unwavering, even as execution methods evolve.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"TextRun SCXW65617498 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW65617498 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 3\">Legal Has <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW65617498 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 3\">Become an Essential Partner<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;I have never been more in touch with legal than in the last several weeks,&#8221; one member admitted, drawing nods of agreement from others in the discussion. This heightened collaboration has prompted many organizations to formalize their processes around DEI communications and reporting, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cross-functional working groups<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> that bring together legal, HR, and other stakeholders to collaborate on decisions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Self-assessment guidelines<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> that help teams evaluate content before formal legal review<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Streamlined review processes<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> that eliminate time-consuming sidebar conversations and email chains<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1060\" data-end=\"1244\">One smart strategy shared on the call was internal review checklists, developed in partnership with legal, that teams can use to self-assess content before it moves forward. The criteria include:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Does the language feel exclusionary?<\/li>\n<li>Could a goal be inferred from the data, even if it\u2019s not stated outright?<\/li>\n<li>Is the framing fact-based and grounded in business relevance?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW251089652 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251089652 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 3\">ESG Leaders\u2019 <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251089652 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 3\">Practical Steps for Risk Mitigation<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW251089652 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ESG leaders shared several tactical approaches for managing compliance risk while maintaining transparency:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ensure consistency<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> across all public documents \u2014 10-K filings, proxy statements, and corporate responsibility reports must align<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Expanding workforce data<\/strong> disclosure to include all available categories\u00a0can lower perceived risk around continuing to release diversity data<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tie DEI programs explicitly to business objectives<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2014 whether through talent retention, stakeholder materiality, or operational effectiveness<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some organizations are broadening rather than restricting their disclosures. As one member explained, sharing comprehensive workforce data demonstrates transparency rather than selective reporting, while grounding initiatives in clear business rationale provides both strategic alignment and potential legal defensibility.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW14612011 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW14612011 BCX0\">And for many, that also means changing the label. In a live poll during our call, <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW14612011 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW14612011 BCX0\">\u201cBelonging and Inclusion\u201d<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW14612011 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW14612011 BCX0\">emerged<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW14612011 BCX0\"> as the most common alternative to \u201cDEI,\u201d followed by terms like <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW14612011 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW14612011 BCX0\">\u201cCulture\u201d<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW14612011 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW14612011 BCX0\"> and <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW14612011 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW14612011 BCX0\">\u201cCorporate Impact.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW14612011 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW62083136 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW62083136 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">Navigate Impact Reporting with Confidence Through Peer Insights<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW62083136 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Impact reporting in 2025 requires strategic thinking, legal alignment, and insights from those facing the same complex challenges.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At the ESG &amp; CSR Board, senior ESG and sustainability leaders from Fortune 500 companies come together for confidential discussions, real-time benchmarking, and tactical guidance on navigating today&#8217;s evolving landscape.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Join the ESG &amp; CSR Board to access exclusive peer insights and develop your approach to DEI reporting with confidence in 2025 and beyond.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_background&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; 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