It’s safe to say that we all want to do our part when it comes to social justice. One of the factors to achieving that is ensuring diversity and inclusion is present in as many areas as possible.
Businesses are in a unique position (everyone does need to earn a paycheck) to help people of all races, religions, gender, opinions, life experiences, and backgrounds learn more about each other. This is something that is increasingly fundamental in multicultural work environments. In fact, 57% of employees think their companies need to work on their diversity, according to Glassdoor. When it comes to race, ethnic background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or ability, it can often be a majority of what a person identifies as (i.e., “I am an Asian woman”)
These identifiers mark the differences from one person to the next, which is exactly what makes a workplace diverse, but it can also unintentionally create barriers. Diversity training helps to break down those barriers so everyone can be productive as a team. In light of the several events that have taken place this year, diversity training is important now more than ever. Despite some agendas that being pushed forward at the moment and amidst diversity training being misconstrued as “unpatriotic”, businesses should strive to foster diversity as much as they can.
Diversity training helps companies and their employees of different backgrounds and cultures interact effectively with each other.
Because it helps to increase everyone’s sense of cultural awareness, knowledge, and tolerance to each others’ differences, it can help to prevent civil rights violations and increase the inclusion of various identity groups. When employees that identify with “minority” groups are seen and included, they will feel like they’re in a safer and more positive work environment. That, in turn, will foster better teamwork, productivity, and results for your business. When a business is proactive at making diversity a priority, it drives collaboration and innovation from people of all different backgrounds.
As a result, these businesses have many benefits to reap. Boston Consulting Group found that companies with diverse management teams have 19% higher revenue. McKinsey & Company found the top companies for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above the national industry medians. When a business and its employees learn more about other identities and one’s own unconscious biases (beliefs and stereotypes about various social and identity groups that people hold outside their own conscious awareness), there is a much greater chance each person will take those lessons out into the world and outside the workplace.
This is where the real impact of diversity training matters most. When people are aware of when biases, microaggressions, and injustices show up in real-world situations, the more likely they are to speak out against it or educate others on the matter. Or, at the very least, they will think about changing their own behaviors. Imagine the harmony within the workplace that’s made possible through diversity training in everyday life. Imagine a city, a state, or an entire country of cultural awareness, knowledge, and tolerance. Imagine reducing, or even getting rid of, unfortunate incidents that stem from unconscious bias. This is why, especially now, diversity training is still important. At Oak Theory, we understand when a business prioritizes diversity and inclusion, the entire team flourishes. We can help your company during this unprecedented time, where diversity is important more than ever before. If you’d like to learn more about Oak Theory’s very own diverse founders, check out our blog.
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