A key component to improving diversity and inclusion (D&I) in a company is a thorough and structured education and training program for all employees.
Training programs can cover topics such as:
- Unconscious bias
- Cultural competency
- Fostering an inclusive work environment.
- Using inclusive language
Why is D&I so important?
It is vital that employees understand the value of D&I in the workplace before they undertake D&I training. Explain that D&I initiatives not only promote fairness and equal opportunities but also:
- Contribute to a more innovative and dynamic work environment
- Align with evolving societal expectations
- Enhance employee morale and engagement
- Position the company as a responsible and forward-thinking contributor to a diverse and inclusive global community
- Help ensure the sustained success of the organisation
What does D&I training achieve?
D&I training is an investment in creating a workplace where all employees can thrive. Providing this training to employees:
- Promotes awareness and understanding and encourages inclusive behaviour
- Enhances team collaboration and increases productivity and innovation
- Makes employees aware of unconscious bias
- Reduces workplace conflict
- Cultivates leadership skills
- Supports customer and client relations
- Complies with legal and ethical standards
- Aligns with corporate values
- Demonstrates organisational commitment
- Helps attract and retain talent
- Adapts to changing demographics.
While there are many different types of training that an organisation can implement to educate its employees about diversity and inclusion there are two areas of training that should be mandatory across the whole organisation and form the basis for all diversity and inclusion training programs.
- Unconscious bias training
Unconscious bias refers to the automatic and unintentional preferences or prejudices individuals hold towards certain groups, based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or other factors. These biases, formed through societal influences and personal experiences, can impact decision-making and behaviour without people being consciously aware of them.
- Inclusive language training
Inclusive language is crucial in the workplace because it creates a more welcoming and respectful environment, promotes equal opportunities, and contributes to building a diverse and inclusive culture.