Why must diversity and inclusion be prioritized in the employment and retention lifecycle?
The best teams are made up of people from different backgrounds with a range of perspectives, experiences, knowledge, and skills. Different ideas, opinions, and views enrich the ways we solve problems in an increasingly complex and competitive world. Accordingly, as organizations realize the benefits of a diverse workforce, diversity and inclusion is becoming more of a business imperative. Organizations are creating diversity and inclusion programs, establishing diversity task forces, hiring diversity officers, and conducting diversity training in the workplace.
Why are diversity training programs valuable?
Diversity and inclusion programs work to help the organization structure workflow and processes in the organization to enhance and encourage diverse points of view and perspectives. When an organization truly embraces diversity, it is demonstrated in every process and in how leaders in your organization approach decision-making. Implementing a diversity training program is also an important step in helping to reduce the risk of workplace discrimination and harassment claims. In settling discrimination cases, companies are often required to educate employees on the importance of diversity in hiring and promotion, and how to avoid stereotypes. The gap between wanting and achieving successful implementation of diversity programs
Unfortunately, most managers have only a rudimentary understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Companies know they should be focusing on diversity in the workplace, but struggle to take any steps to implement diversity and inclusion programs. They haven’t received the training they need to hire and retain diverse talent and integrate DEI into their employee life cycle. Making matters worse, some leaders are unknowingly making decisions that are influenced by their own biases. The best remedy is through education.
Dr. Emmanuele Bowles is the Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Florida International University. He and other FIU Subject Matter Experts are hosting two 2-hour virtual sessions to help HR personnel and leaders understand how to make your organization a more diverse place to work by understanding the perceptual, institutional, and psychological processes that impact racial, gender, and socioeconomic biases and the ways people interact with each other.
Topics covered include,
– Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Understanding the Role You Play
– Thriving Across Our Differences with Inclusive Conversations
– Communicating with a Culturally Sensitive Lens
– Inclusive Leadership: Change Starts with YOU
Diversity and Inclusion training provides a common definition of what it is and what it entails, reduces legal liability, creates a safe space for employees, and benefits a company’s bottom line. With all these great benefits from training and diversity, why wouldn’t you want to start implementing diversity training in your workplace?
Individual and group rates are available. Join the in-depth discussion about Diversity and Inclusion Redefine leadership through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.