Effective Training Strategies to Improve Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Efforts in Organizations
- Posted on Jun 27, 2023
Can a person unlearn old behaviors and learn new ones?
The answer is yes!
Training is especially crucial in fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity within organizations. It equips employees with the knowledge, skills, and awareness necessary to understand and address systemic biases, create inclusive environments, and promote equity.
Many types of training that can help organizations improve their diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts are available, and companies have excelled in implementing effective training strategies to drive positive change.
Unconscious Bias Training
Unconscious bias refers to the automatic and often unintentional mental shortcuts and stereotypes that influence our decisions and behaviors. Designed to raise awareness of these biases and provide strategies for mitigating their impact in the workplace, unconscious bias training educates employees about the existence and effects of biases.
Organizations can empower individuals to recognize and challenge their own preconceptions, leading to fairer decision-making processes. Well-known companies like Google and Coca-Cola have offered employees unconscious bias training to reduce bias in everyday work situations.
Inclusive Leadership Training
Leadership plays a pivotal role in driving diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts within organizations. Inclusive leadership training equips leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to create an inclusive culture, empower diverse teams, and drive equity initiatives. It includes topics such as fostering psychological safety, active listening, inclusive communication, and bias-free decision-making.
Ernst & Young (EY) is an example of a company that has successfully implemented inclusive leadership training. EY’s training program includes modules on inclusive leadership behaviors, unconscious bias, and creating inclusive teams. This training empowers leaders to champion diversity, foster inclusive environments, and ensure organizational equity.
Cultural Competence and Allyship Training
Cultural competence training aims to develop employees’ understanding and appreciation of different cultures, identities, and perspectives. It enhances empathy, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively across diverse teams. Allyship training teaches individuals how to actively ally with marginalized groups, advocate for their rights and challenge systemic inequities.
Airbnb has implemented cultural competence and allyship training programs to promote diversity and inclusion. Their training initiatives give employees a deeper understanding of various cultures, identities, and intersectionality, enabling them to create inclusive experiences for users worldwide.
Employee Resource Group (ERG) Support
Employee Resource Groups, as mentioned earlier, are affinity groups formed by employees with shared characteristics or interests. Organizations can support ERGs by providing resources, funding, and training opportunities. ERGs often conduct training sessions, workshops, and awareness campaigns to educate employees about different cultures, identities, and issues affecting marginalized groups.
Rainforest EQ, for example, has a robust ERG program that includes leadership training for ERG members. By equipping ERG leaders with leadership and advocacy skills, Rainforest EQ fosters a culture of inclusion, empowers diverse voices, and promotes equity throughout the organization.
Improving diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts requires a comprehensive and ongoing commitment to organizational training.
Training programs should encompass a range of topics, including unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, cultural competence, and allyship to drive positive change. By implementing effective training initiatives, organizations can foster a culture that values diversity, ensures inclusion, and promotes equity, leading to stronger teams, improved innovation, and increased employee engagement.