There has been a major drop in transparency around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts among Fortune 500 companies, research shows.

According to a press release from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF), the political climate and attitudes toward diversity and inclusion have left leaders unsure how to navigate the landscape to meet the expectations of employees, shareholders, and consumers while adhering to regulations.

In the release, the HRCF shared the State of the Workplace for LGBTQ+ Americans and Corporate Equality Index 2026. The report is a research-based assessment of workplace protections, policies, and lived experiences nationwide, examining the “current landscape of LGBTQ+ inclusion and the external factors shaping employer effort.”

The report found that 39.1% of U.S. workers surveyed said their employers scaled back DEI practices. Additionally, 54.2% of LGBT workers surveyed said they experienced stigma or bias at organizations that scaled back or dismantled DEI commitments, compared with 24.9% of workers at organizations that continue to uphold diversity and inclusion practices.

The report also detailed that 86% of U.S. workers who described their workplace as hostile said they felt at risk of leaving their jobs, and almost half of of those individuals also reported a decrease in productivity.

“The data makes clear that many LGBTQ+ workers are feeling less safe and less certain about their place at work,” Senior Director of Workplace Equality at the HRCF RaShawn Hawkins said the press release.

“In that environment, the Corporate Equality Index is far more than a score on paper — it’s a tool HR leaders rely on to navigate uncertainty, support LGBTQ+ workers, and communicate clearly at a time when employees are looking for signals they can trust,” Hawkins continued.

The report also found that companies with LGBTQ+ inclusive policies reported an average net income more than eight times higher than their counterparts.

At the same time, the report stated there was a 65% decrease among Fortune 500 companies publicly documenting their diversity and inclusion practices. Its index had 131 companies participate in 2026 in comparison to 377 in 2025. It is noted that the companies that refrained from disclosing their DEI practices are under federal contracts.

In the press release, HRC President Kelley Robinson said the findings highlight that, amid growing fear and confusion, clarity and confidence are critical for effective leadership, rebuilding trust, retaining talent, and strengthening business performance.