Diversity And Inclusion Training Activities That Improve ROI
Diversity and inclusion online training is often mandatory, and for good reason. It helps employees see things from their peers’ point of view and raises cultural awareness. As such, everyone is able to work together to achieve common goals, even if they hail from different backgrounds. Diversity and inclusion online training also builds a broad range of related skill sets, from communication to conflict resolution. Last but not least, it can significantly improve your online training ROI. Here are 7 diversity and inclusion training activities to mitigate compliance risks and reduce new hire training costs by retaining your top talent.
7 Top Diversity And Inclusion Online Training Resources
1. Employee-Led Events To Share Unique Perspectives
Invite employees to guest host live online training events so that they can share their stories and offer a fresh point of view. This also gives their peers the chance to ask questions and explore different backgrounds in a supportive environment. For example, inquire about cultural norms that can help them communicate with co-workers and customers more effectively. Be sure to set some guidelines so that everyone has a chance to exchange information without feeling judged or ridiculed. In addition, try to choose hosts who represent a broad range of societies and locales so that no one feels left out.
2. Branching Scenarios That Feature Diverse Personas
Develop branching scenarios that expose employees to different personas, such as customers or co-workers who exhibit unique personality traits or come from different regions of the globe. One of the best ways to foster awareness is to give corporate learners the power to interact with virtual characters and hone their skills. For instance, they can discover what not to say to a client with different societal beliefs than their own. They must navigate the situation with tact to achieve the best outcome by choosing the correct decision-making paths.
3. Peer-To-Peer Coaching Program
Launch a peer coaching or mentoring program wherein employees team up and help each other gain more cultural awareness. For best results, conduct surveys and questionnaires to gather employee background information. Such as their goals, job aspirations, and backgrounds. Then pair employees from different cultures and experience levels so that they can explore new points of view. That said, they should have some things in common to avoid personality conflicts. For instance, they work in the same job position or are striving to bridge similar skill gaps.
4. Simulations That Build Interpersonal Skills
Another great addition to diversity and inclusion online training are real-world simulations that foster interpersonal skills and allow employees to interact with diverse characters. Doing so enables them to see that we all have in common more than one might think. Simulations also immerse them in situations and environments that are unfamiliar. For instance, they’re able to "switch places" with a co-worker from another branch that’s located halfway across the world, and interact with the tools and customers that they encounter on a daily basis. Think of it as a modern version of the foreign student exchange program, only it’s for your geographically dispersed adult learners.
5. Social Media Discussions That Challenge Employee Assumptions
Host weekly or monthly social media discussions where employees can share knowledge, feedback, and personal experiences. They can even upload images and resources that give peers a better idea of their cultural nuances. Such as the common workplace attire or how they place to showcase their products on the sales floor. Corporate eLearning blogs, online discussions, and social media groups are ideal platforms for culturally diverse conversations. These also offer employees the chance to challenge their own assumptions. For instance, they realize that they’ve been adhering to stereotypes instead of taking the time to explore other walks of life. It’s important to set ground rules to avoid online conflicts. Stress the fact that everyone’s opinions should be valued, even if peers don’t necessarily agree with their viewpoint.
6. Real-World Stories With Follow-Up Reflection
Incorporate real-life stories into your diversity and inclusion training activities so that you create an emotional connection with your corporate learners. Then encourage them to reflect on the challenges or struggles that the main character overcame. This gives employees another opportunity to evaluate their personal cognitions and determine if certain beliefs or opinions are limiting their growth. For example, the story involves a customer who has a unique definition of "customer service" based on where they were raised. As such, they have different expectations and etiquette that must be followed while they’re visiting your location or calling into the service center. It’s impossible to educate employees on every culture and its norms. However, these real-world stories make them more empathetic and compassionate to the plight (and personality traits) of others.
7. Demo Videos That Set A Prime Example
Produce demo videos that provide employees with an example they can follow in real life. As an example, showcase skills and behaviors that tie into diversity and inclusion online training. Like actively listening and decoding body language to promote better teamwork. You can even use animated video software in lieu of real actors to reduce costs and development time. Make them bite-sized so that employees can quickly address each D&I compliance topic and apply the information right away. In fact, you might consider a video library they can use for on-the-job reference. For instance, before meeting a new international co-worker or client to avoid causing offense.
Conclusion
The most powerful diversity and inclusion online training experiences are personal. They speak to employees on an emotional level and allow them to view things from a different perspective. As such, all the aforementioned online training activities should be custom-tailored to suit their needs. That includes adding realistic characters, situations, and challenges employees may encounter in the workplace.
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