Corporate DEI: How messaging is evolving

A study of Fortune 100 DEI language

Fortune 100 companies are changing how they talk about DEI.

Fortune 100 companies are changing how they talk about DEI.  Our language analysis of data collected from over 1,000 issue reports, SEC filings, earnings calls, and more, support media theories that corporations are leaning toward more neutral and inclusivity-focused terminology when speaking about DEI efforts.

Our language analysis of data collected from over 1,000 Fortune 100 issue reports, SEC filings, and earnings calls supports recent news coverage that corporate DEI messaging–which held a strong posture in 2023–is on the retreat.

Many Fortune 100 companies are neutralizing external messaging on diversity, shifting away from terminology that spurred conservative corporate backlash and toward more neutral language like “belonging” and “diverse experiences” when talking about diversity efforts. 

Complete the form to download our report on Changes in Corporate DEI Messaging including our full analysis, a recap of the risks inherent with these adjustments, and what to consider as you evaluate your messaging strategy around DEI.

Related Posts

2026 Weber Shandwick Collective x Gravity Research Survey: The CEO–Communications Confidence Gap

For 2026, communications leaders are gaining ground as strategic C-suite advisors, with artificial intelligence being…
Read more

2026 Gravity Insiders x Axios Annual Survey: Societal Issues, Stakeholder Pressure, and Communications Priorities

For 2026, corporate communications demands are expanding as executives face their biggest stakeholder pressure –…
Read more

Q4 Earnings Call Analysis: How Fortune 100 firms navigated reputational pressure points in Q4 — and what this means for Q1

In Q4 earnings calls, Fortune 100 executives systematically dodged proof points on AI implementation, consumer…
Read more