Millennials value unity more than diversity, study finds

Nearly nine in 10 millennials like when a brand appeals to more than one person.

This is really interesting research reported by Lindsay Stein. It echoes our experience that the next step in D&I work has to focus on inclusion and inclusivity as a leadership skill.

“Millennials – often referred to as the “me” generation – should actually be referred to as the “we” generation, according to a new Fuse Media study that reveals how much this cohort values inclusivity.

The 2019 Fuse Multicultural Insider research, commissioned by Fuse and conducted by NRG, found that millennials (18 to 35 years old) view the notion of “unity” as two times more valuable than diversity, and 55% of millennials believe diversity isn’t inclusive enough. Insights for the research came from 1,500 millennials and 500 Gen Xers between 36 and 49 years old.

“This study amplified the idea that this subset of adults is passionately seeking unity – and what brings us together – while defining diversity as couched in what sets us apart.  This is something we have observed both with our audience and the millennial and younger colleagues, talent and partners with whom we work every day,” said Mark McIntire, head of marketing, Fuse Media.

Nearly nine out of 10 millennials (88 percent) said they like when a brand appeals to more than one person, while 85 percent agree that a brand should be something everyone can enjoy, according to the research.

The study also revealed that 85 percent of millennials think brands should market to people based on interests and passions rather than physical traits, and 81 percent like when brands give underrepresented groups a platform and voice.

Most millennials (77 percent) said their favorite brands value inclusivity, with 79 percent saying they want ads to showcase diversity and 78 saying it’s important for ads to be “representative of me.”

Outside of diversity and inclusion, millennials in the study said they find brands more trustworthy than social media influencers or celebrities and more influential than the government.”