Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

OVERVIEW

Diversity is a big part of organizations and businesses and has been a high-profile issue since the late twentieth century — but much has changed in how we understand it.

This course explores diversity and inclusion in the workplace on many levels: How we define diversity and inclusion; the benefits and power of inclusivity; how to incorporate a diversity mindset into your organizational culture; and how to relate and communicate in a more collaborative and respectful way with everyone you interact with.

OBJECTIVES

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss how we define diversity and inclusion in the workplace today
• Identify the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace for any organization’s mission and the impact on the critical and creative thinking of teams and individuals
• Describe how we support respect for diversity and promote inclusion through communication and collaboration
• Discuss ways to ensure diversity and inclusion across the organization

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

• All staff and managers who need to have awareness of Diversity and inclusion in the Workplace

COURSE CONTENTS

Module 1: Define Diversity and Inclusion

• Discuss the attributes, traits, and unique characteristics that make up diverse groups.
• Identify the value of diversity and the qualities of inclusive workplace cultures.
• Consider others’ perspectives to ensure success at every level of your organization.

Module 2: The Value of Inclusion

• Identify what inclusion means, distinguishing between inclusion and diversity.
• Summarize the moral case for inclusion that involves empathy and others-centered thinking.
• Summarize the logical case for inclusion by considering the costs and benefits associated with inclusive and exclusive thinking.

Module 3: Foster a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce

• Understand what employees want from a diverse and inclusive workplace and how companies can benefit.
• Compare strategies used by other organizations with inclusive workplaces to your own actions.
• Identify characteristics of inclusive leaders and teaching programs that support inclusive cultures.

Module 4: Develop Habits of Inclusivity

• Discuss what happens when opinions are based on preconceived ideas.
• Identify ways organizations can facilitate curiosity and respectfulness of other cultures.
• Describe how affinity and employee resource groups can benefit an organization.

Module 5: Set the Tone for Open and Honest Communication

• Discuss how to advocate for diversity and promote inclusion through communication.
• Explain how to help employees explore new ways of looking at the world.
• Describe the appropriate manner for discussing potentially uncomfortable situations.

Module 6: Form a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force

• Discuss the essential qualities of a diversity and inclusion task force.
• Use the startup steps to establish a task force plan, accelerate progress and avoid pitfalls.
• Write a vision statement that describes the reason for the initiative and what the organization wants to achieve.