So, you’re interested in effective online diversity training for your employees but don’t know where to start? As with many well-intentioned leaders, you probably already follow inclusive practices but are not entirely satisfied with the results.
While businesses across all industries and sizes have made significant advances in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, it’s still a struggle for many to overcome unconscious biases and old practices that interfere with progress and growth.
When implemented well, diversity training programs can create cohesive, productive and high-performing teams. If poorly handled, it can backfire and reinforce stereotypes and drive away valuable employees. The good news is that diversity training does work but only when it’s done the right way.
Symmetra’s experienced consultants explain how you can create an effective, results-oriented diversity training program. Our modern, tested and effective online training programs have helped many organisations create a positive, inclusive and respectful culture that supports diversity initiatives.
What Is Diversity Training and How Does It Help?
Diversity training streamlines our understanding and improves communication issues on multiple levels. It helps harness points of difference and diversity among employees such as colour, race, ethnicity, language, culture, educational background and sexual orientation. Most importantly, it helps your employees appreciate the fact that ‘different’ does not imply inadequacy or lack of ability.
Diversity and inclusion training initiatives go far beyond ensuring legal compliance and political correctness. It helps employees develop positive, accepting attitudes towards others who are different from them, embrace those differences and capitalise on the unique perspectives, talents and skills that are brought to the table.
Our innovatively designed online diversity and inclusion training helps organisations address the needs of their employees across all levels, departments and roles. Contact Symmetra for more information on how we can help you gain momentum and energy to your diversity and inclusion initiatives starting today.
How to Get the Most of Your D & I Training
The following strategies make diversity training programs more effective and help you avoid common pitfalls:
1. Develop a Clear, Detailed Understanding of the Results You Want to Achieve
The most effective way to begin is by defining what you want the diversity training program to achieve. For example, the program should provide concrete ways to engage in positive, respectful interactions, reduce unconscious biases and eliminate subtle prejudices from impacting decision-making.
A sound approach should be able to tie in diversity and inclusion with the main mission, vision and values of the organisation.
2. Implement Diversity and Inclusion Training Consistently
For maximum success, online diversity training for employees cannot be a once-a-year event to be checked off a list. In order to produce results, training must be an ongoing, consistent effort and managers must call out behaviours and attitudes that go against inclusion.
Instead of a one-day workshop, implement a series of initiatives including training programs, mentoring opportunities, appreciation initiatives and events that reinforce continuous learning experiences.
3. Ensure that Diversity and Inclusion Training is Customised to Your Requirement
Before implementing an effective diversity training program, the company needs to perform a thorough self-assessment. Such assessments are usually complex and are best carried out by established D & I consultants who can promise commitment and dedication.
They will assess your company’s culture, requirements and history to customise training programs uniquely tailored to your needs.
Symmetra helps develop high performing teams and leaders through blended learning programs that promote diversity of thought, psychological safety, boundary spanning and much more. Contact us today to learn how our diversity training in Melbourne can help your organisation thrive and stand out from the pack.
