Executive Research Briefing

The Hidden Cost of Black Excellence™

Five evidence-based insights every organisation should understand about retaining Black and Global Majority talent.

Based on responses from more than 1,100 Black professionals across the UK, USA, Canada and Australia, this briefing highlights hidden organisational risks affecting wellbeing, retention and performance.

Independent

Research

1,100+

Participants

4

Countries

Evidence-Based

Framework

COBE

Research CIC

Featured Findings

A briefing built for leaders who need evidence, not assumptions.

Each finding links lived experience to organisational risk, practical leadership action and measurable business outcomes.

89%

Health Impacts

Reported one or more health impacts associated with workplace stress.

84%

Performance Tax™

Feel they must work harder than colleagues to prove competence.

75%

Exit Intent

Have considered leaving their organisation to protect their wellbeing.

77%

Support Gap

Lack access to culturally relevant workplace support.

What You Will Learn

Inside the Executive Research Briefing

A focused leadership briefing designed to help organisations understand the workplace conditions that reduce wellbeing, performance and retention.

The Three Taxes™

Emotional Tax™, Performance Tax™ and Progression Tax™.

Business Costs

Retention risk, burnout, productivity drag and leadership pipeline gaps.

Warning Signs

The early indicators organisations often miss until talent leaves.

First Steps

Practical actions leaders can take before commissioning wider work.

Why This Matters

Organisations measure engagement. Few measure hidden cost.

Many workforce challenges sit beneath standard engagement metrics. Employees stay silent. Managers misread the signs. Organisations only see the cost once absence, burnout or resignation becomes visible.

The Executive Research Briefing gives senior leaders a structured way to understand these risks before they become expensive.

Inside you will find

  • Executive summary
  • Five key findings
  • Business impact analysis
  • Organisational risk indicators
  • The COBE Organisational Operating System™
  • Leadership actions and next steps
Who Should Download This?

Built for organisational decision makers.

HR Directors
Chief People Officers
CEOs
Wellbeing Leads
DEI Leaders
University Leaders
NHS Leaders
Local Authorities
Download

Request the Executive Research Briefing.

Complete the form to receive the Executive Research Briefing and start a focused conversation about wellbeing, retention and hidden workforce risk.

What happens next?

Step 01

Complete the form.

Step 02

Receive the briefing.

Step 03

Review the findings with your team.

Step 04

Book a briefing call.

Your details will help us understand your organisation and direct you to the most useful next step.
You will receive research updates, briefing invitations and relevant COBE insights.

Tell us about your organisation

Request access to the Executive Research Briefing.

Next Step

Want to understand what this means for your organisation?

Book a 30-minute Executive Research Briefing with COBE Research CIC to explore the findings, ask questions and identify your next evidence-based action.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who is this briefing for?+

It is designed for leaders responsible for people, culture, wellbeing, talent, inclusion, retention and organisational performance.

Is there a cost?+

The Executive Research Briefing is free to request. Bespoke research, briefings, audits and organisational work are commissioned separately.

Can we share it internally?+

Yes, the briefing is intended to support internal leadership conversations. Include COBE Research CIC attribution when sharing.

Can we commission bespoke research?+

Yes. COBE Research CIC undertakes independent research, organisational evaluations, executive briefings and workforce insight projects.

Better evidence leads to better decisions.

Start with the Executive Research Briefing. Use the evidence to begin a different conversation about retention, wellbeing and performance.

Download the Executive Briefing