By creating an inclusive culture, organizations allow employees to show up to work as their true selves every day. One way to foster this type of culture is through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training. Understanding the value that DEI training has for both individuals and the overall health of your company is crucial to developing an inclusive and supportive workplace for your employees. Recognizing this training as more than just an annual “check the box” lesson is key to implementing the values drawn from its teachings into your office; so what exactly is the value?
First, it’s important to have a clear understanding of each piece of DEI training:
Diversity: In any setting, diversity is the presence of unique types of people coming together, and in any workplace, there will always be a need for this variance. People from all different backgrounds and heritages coming together to work towards the same purpose is what makes companies strong. Knowing how to embrace this diversity through training can make a huge difference.
Equity: The purpose of equity is to eliminate any barriers that cause disparities within the workplace and ensure everyone is treated equally. Eliminating judgement based on people’s differences and providing the same opportunities to all employees are the main focuses of equity training.
Inclusion: An employee’s sense of belonging is the third element of DEI training. Coinciding with diversity, as individuals come together with their differences it’s beneficial to build on the value each employee brings to the organization and how this can be further welcomed with inclusive training for leaders and team members.
Each of these elements are equally responsible for creating a strong work culture and healthy space for executives and employees alike. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to DEI training, however there are a number of advantages that any diversity and inclusion training brings about in organizations:
- Increased Employee Satisfaction: With proper DEI training, there isn’t a single team member who goes unvalued. When every person in the office is appreciated for what their own uniqueness brings to the table, they feel empowered to make a difference. This confidence brings pride to their work every day, leading to a happy, healthy work environment.
- Greater Innovation: As employees embrace their diversity, the impact spreads throughout the organization. DEI training can spark creativity within the team as it encourages communication and collaboration when it comes to sharing new ideas. This promotion of teamwork can stem countless opportunities for future growth of individual employees and the company as a whole.
- Employee Retention: With a diverse workforce and inclusive environment, employees are more likely to remain with a company. Having a strong sense of belonging, similar to that of a family, is a powerful motivator for members of any organization, and while it’s not an easy thing to build, it’s an even harder thing to find elsewhere!
- Company Reputation: One of the most coveted things employees search for in future employers is a strong workplace culture. DEI training seeps into every aspect of a business and is a driver of workplace culture, resulting in a strong reputation centered around a more inclusive and awareness-driven environment.
Ready to take a look at your company’s DEI practices? Exude is here to help with everything from DEI strategy, DEI assessments, and DEI training & development.