Perceptions and Experiences of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives among Employees

This master thesis investigates the perceptions and experiences of employees at a Prague branch of Company X, an international technological company, regarding diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives. The research aims to evaluate the impact of these initiatives on workplace culture, employee engagement, and satisfaction, providing actionable recommendations for improvement. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with managers and the D&I team with a quantitative survey of employees. The qualitative data reveals a strong commitment to D&I from senior leadership, regular training on unconscious bias and inclusive leadership, and the significant role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in supporting underrepresented employees. Despite these efforts, challenges such as unconscious bias and the need for more practical inclusion practices remain. Quantitative findings indicate that while many employees understand the goals of D&I initiatives and rate the quality of training positively, there is variability in engagement and awareness. Some employees observe moderate changes due to D&I efforts, but others feel less comfortable discussing D&I topics, highlighting areas for further enhancement. The thesis concludes with recommendations to improve the communication of D&I goals, increase the practical application of inclusion practices, and address unconscious biases more effectively. Continuous employee feedback is emphasized as essential for refining and optimizing D&I initiatives to foster a truly inclusive workplace environment.