How to Develop a Diversity and Inclusion Training?
Diversity and inclusion training is becoming popular day by day as organizations in the top quartile for diversity and inclusion reap its benefits. Studies also show data to back up these benefits. Let us delve deep to understand how diversity and inclusion training is beneficial.
Diversity and inclusion are perceived differently by different people. Bersin defines diversity and inclusion as “the variety of people and ideas within a company, and the creation of an environment in which people feel involved, respected, valued, connected and able to bring their “authentic” selves to the team and to the business.”
Diversity and Inclusion Training
Diversity is an instance of being composed of differing elements or qualities. It has different dimensions like gender, religion, race, age, disability, linguistic differences, socioeconomic status, and cultural background. And some dimensions that are of focus today are culture, generational, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity.
One aspect is to employ people from diverse backgrounds. But there is also the other aspect, which is to make people understand those differences, respect the differences and incorporate them within the policies of the organization. True that all these cannot happen in a day. It is all going to take a good amount of time and commitment. It is important that both the organization and employees are willing to look beyond their differences and prejudices. This is what is referred to as inclusive practices or inclusivity. This is where diversity & inclusion training helps organizations. It orients the employees about diversity and discovering various inclusive practices and the benefits they are to offer.
Not only is inclusivity crucial for diversity efforts to succeed but creating an inclusive culture will prove beneficial for employee engagement and productivity. It is important to note that diversity is a collection of various facts and ideas, but inclusion is a practice or behavioral challenge. As a result, diversity is the easier of the two to include in a corporation. But creating a culture that promotes and practices inclusivity is time-consuming and tiring. And for that diversity & inclusion training can be provided at different levels for employees at different levels to get their buy-in and take part in diversity & inclusion practices.
Benefits of Diversity and Inclusion Training
Diversity and Inclusion is no more just an HR initiative, but it is now a business imperative. Studies and findings highlight that organizations that are in the top quartile for Diversity & Inclusion have better financial returns and many other softer benefits. D&I training enables the creation of a work environment that fosters and recognizes diverse practices and is inclusive of everyone irrespective of any differences or not. One of the greatest challenges to diversity and inclusion is one’s own cognitive biases. Thus, Strengthscape offers workshops and training programs that keep in mind these challenges.
Diverse and inclusive culture helps in boosting morale and developing a learning culture. It enhances employee productivity, invites a pool of ideation, and overall improves employee engagement. Studies and researches highlight that companies who focus on diversity & inclusion have seen a measurable increase in their performance.
Diversity & inclusion training acts as a catalyst to enable employees to embrace culture by understanding the intricacies and the benefits. These are some of the reasons why diversity and inclusion training are gaining more momentum in recent times.
Contact us if you are interested in a diversity and inclusion program that is tailored to the needs of your organization or team.
