Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have never been more important for businesses. Not only are diverse teams 87% better at making decisions but, according to research by Forbes decisions made by diverse teams are 60% more likely to lead to success.
DEI is also essential in building a successful team with a wide range of skills and studies from McKinsey show companies with a greater focus on diversity generally outperform their less diverse counterparts.
Everyone knows diversity is a good thing. But The question for most business leaders is how do they ensure they’re implementing, championing, and encouraging diversity correctly?
DEI programs can help to transform the concept of “diversity” into a critical part of company culture, teaching team members about the threat of unconscious bias, and how they can contribute to a more inclusive workplace.
What are diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training programs?
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training programs are designed to educate employees about the value of a diverse workforce and foster a workplace culture that is inclusive and respectful of everyone.
It goes beyond simply understanding different backgrounds, equipping employees with the tools to collaborate effectively and prevent unconscious bias.
A core aspect of diversity and inclusion training is recognizing and preventing unconscious bias, including the stereotypes and prejudices that we all hold, often without realizing it.
The training helps employees identify their own biases and develop strategies to overcome them. It also equips employees with the skills to communicate and interact with colleagues from diverse backgrounds respectfully and inclusively.
This includes understanding microaggressions, which are subtle forms of discrimination, and fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas.
Another key aspect of DEI training is exploring the business case for diversity and inclusion, highlighting how it can lead to increased innovation, improved decision-making, better problem-solving, and better employee engagement.
Some diversity and inclusion training programs may cover bystander intervention techniques too, equipping employees with the skills to intervene if they witness discrimination or harassment in the workplace.
Why is DEI training important?
Diversity and inclusion training benefits both businesses and employees. By fostering understanding and respect for different perspectives, diversity and inclusion training leads to better collaboration, communication, and trust within teams. This translates to improved project outcomes and a more positive work environment.
Diverse teams that work well today also bring a wider range of ideas and experiences to the table. This allows your business to consider a wider range of viewpoints, leading to more well-rounded and effective decisions
And when employees feel valued and heard, they're more likely to share their unique perspectives, leading to more creative solutions and innovative thinking.
Diverse companies are also better equipped to understand and cater to the needs of a diverse customer base. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty and ensures your product or service is positioned to attract the diverse customers you want to reach.
And when employees feel valued and heard, they're more likely to share their unique perspectives, leading to more creative solutions and innovative thinking.
Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion are seen as more attractive employers by a wider pool of qualified candidates too, allowing those that invest in diversity and inclusion training to tap into a larger talent pool and recruit the best people for the job.
Best DEI programs for 2024
It's important to understand that there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to the "best" diversity and inclusion programs. The best program for a company will depend on its specific industry, size, and existing company culture. However, there are some excellent programs out there that can serve as inspiration.
In this list, we’re counting down ten of the best diversity, equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs for businesses in 2024 based on their price, popularity and reviews.
HRDQ by Diversity Works
HRDQ's Diversity Works is an interactive workshop designed to raise awareness about diversity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Unlike traditional lectures, Diversity Works utilizes a station-based approach. Participants choose activities that suit their learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) and preferred interaction types (individual, group). The program goes beyond simply imparting information too. It creates opportunities for open discussions through activities and role-playing exercises, allowing employees to confront their own biases and practice inclusive communication in a safe space.
Diversity Works incorporates a mix of activities like simulations, games, and individual reflection exercises. This caters to different learning preferences and keeps the workshop dynamic and interesting. The program also offers pre- and post-workshop surveys to assess the impact on employee mindsets and behaviours. This allows companies to track progress towards their DEI goals. Compared to some extensive DEI programs, Diversity Works offers a shorter, yet impactful workshop format at a reasonable cost.
Unconscious bias by Microsoft
Microsoft's Unconscious Bias is a well-regarded DEI training program imed at raising awareness and mitigating unconscious bias in the workplace. The program delves into various unconscious biases we all hold, including affinity bias, confirmation bias, and halo effect, using interactive modules and real-world scenarios to help employees identify their own biases and understand how they might impact their decisions and interactions with colleagues. The training doesn't just stop at awareness either. It equips employees with practical strategies to counteract unconscious bias. This involves techniques for inclusive interviewing practices, fostering diverse team dynamics, and mitigating bias in performance reviews.
Microsoft offers its Unconscious Bias training completely free through their learning platform. The program is delivered through a user-friendly e-learning platform, making it convenient and flexible for learners to access at their own pace. Microsoft acknowledges that unconscious bias is an ongoing challenge. The program offers resources and tools to help individuals and organizations track progress and measure the impact of their DEI programs.
Get Smarter Diversity and Inclusive Leadership
Get Smarter's Diversity and Inclusive Leadership program is a platform that offers various courses related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with a focus on developing inclusive leadership skills. The platform offers a range of DEI courses developed by universities and institutions like Northwestern University and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), allowing learners to choose courses that target specific areas of interest, such as understanding the business case for DEI or fostering inclusive communication. The program goes beyond general DEI awareness too, providing training for all skills necessary for leaders to create a truly inclusive work environment. This includes fostering psychological safety, mitigating bias in decision-making, and promoting diverse perspectives within teams.
Many get Smarter courses offer certifications upon completion, which be valuable for professionals seeking to demonstrate their commitment to DEI and enhance their resumes. The online platform provides flexibility for learners to complete courses at their own pace and convenience. This caters to busy professionals who may not have time for traditional in-person training. Get Smarter's program works best when integrated with a wider DEI strategy that includes clear policies, mentorship programs, and opportunities for employee resource groups.
ProProfs Diversity Training
While ProProfs offers a platform for diversity training creation, it isn't itself a single, pre-designed DEI program like the others we've discussed. ProProfs allows organizations to create custom training modules or choose from a library of pre-made quizzes and courses on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Organizations can tailor the training content to address their specific needs and challenges. This might involve focusing on unconscious bias relevant to their industry or including real-world scenarios specific to their company culture.
ProProfs offers a variety of formats for creating training content, including quizzes, interactive presentations, and branching scenarios. This caters to different learning styles and keeps learners engaged. Training modules can be delivered online at a low cost too, making them accessible to a geographically dispersed workforce and allowing for flexible completion. Still, the effectiveness of ProProfs hinges on the quality of the content created by the organization. Without expertise in DEI best practices, companies might create shallow or inaccurate training materials.
HR University Diversity and Inclusion
HR University offers a Diversity and Inclusion Certification course that focuses on equipping individuals, particularly HR professionals and managers, with the skills to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. The course covers core concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the business case for DEI, different types of diversity, and understanding unconscious bias. It also delves into practical strategies for creating this inclusive workplace culture, including creating inclusive recruitment practices, fostering open communication, and mitigating bias in performance management.
HR University's DEI program is designed specifically for those who play a critical role in shaping workplace culture. The course is delivered online, offering flexibility for busy professionals to learn at their own pace, and upon completion, participants receive a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion. By targeting those who have a significant influence on workplace practices, the program can have a broader impact on the company culture.
Compliance Training Group (Workplace Diversity)
Coming from a compliance training background, Compliance Training Group’s Workplace Diversity program is a top training program for diversity, equity and inclusion. The company offers a range of training modules designed to address crucial aspects of workplace dynamics, including workplace ethics, harassment, and sensitivity training. These modules are tailored to meet the specific needs of each organization, taking into account industry practices and legal requirements.
The “Workplace Diversity” DEI program is only an hour long, but it’s still comprehensive, covering various topics such as identifying and preventing workplace harassment, promoting diversity and inclusion, and understanding unconscious biases. The course looks at things like implicit and unconscious bias, the “halo” and “horns” effects, stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. Easy to access and complete online, the comprehensive course is great for introducing teams to the basics of ensuring true diversity.
Udemy
Udemy is an online learning platform that offers a vast library of courses and training programs on a wide range of topics, including DEI. The platform boasts a vast collection of DEI courses developed by independent instructors with diverse backgrounds and expertise. This allows you to find courses that target specific needs, like understanding unconscious bias in recruitment or fostering inclusive communication. Courses are available online, allowing for self-paced learning at a convenient time to cater to busy professionals who might not have time for traditional in-person training.
Udemy courses are typically priced individually, and the platform frequently runs sales and promotions. This can be a cost-effective way to access DEI training compared to some of the traditional programs on this list but relies on self-directed learning, so success depends on the individual's commitment and ability to stay motivated.
American Management Association (AMA) DEI
The American Management Association (AMA) DEI program offers a range of resources and training options designed to support organizations in building a more inclusive workplace. AMA offers DEI training in various formats, including live webinars, online courses, in-person workshops, and certificate programs. These Programs are available for all levels of employees, from managers and HR professionals to individual contributors, helping the organization ensure everyone has access to relevant but comprehensive DEI training.
AMA's DEI program goes beyond simply raising awareness. It equips participants with practical skills to foster inclusion in everyday work interactions, including techniques for inclusive hiring practices, managing diverse teams, and mitigating bias in performance reviews. The programs are developed and delivered by experienced professionals with knowledge of DEI best practices too, providing participants with the best and most effective DEI training available. AMA also emphasizes the connection between DE&I and business success. Training programs highlight how fostering inclusion can lead to increased innovation, improved decision-making, and a more engaged workforce.
eCornell Diversity and Inclusion
eCornell's Diversity and Inclusion program is one of the industry’s most well-rounded approach to DEI training, making it a strong contender for organizations looking to build a more inclusive workplace and one of the best DEI programs available today. The program offers several courses and certificate programs focused on different aspects of DEI, allowing learners to choose programs that target their specific needs and interests, such as unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, or managing diverse teams. The courses are developed and delivered by Cornell faculty and industry experts, ensuring the content is grounded in academic research and practical applications. All Courses are delivered online (hence the “e”), and incorporate live webinars with faculty and experts to provide flexibility while maintaining top-notch training for learners.
eCornell Diversity and Inclusion program goes beyond just raising awareness about DEI. It equips participants with practical skills and strategies to implement DE&I initiatives within their organizations, whether it be developing inclusive recruitment practices, fostering psychological safety in teams, or mitigating bias in performance reviews. For maximum impact, eCornell's program works best when integrated with a broader DEI strategy that includes clear policies, mentorship programs, and opportunities for employee resource groups.
Coursera (Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace)
Coursera's "Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace" DEI program is a great option for building a foundational knowledge of DEI concepts and it’s widely considered to be one of the best DEI programs available today. Developed by ESSEC Business School and offered entirely online through Coursera's platform, the program is readily available to a global workforce and allows for flexible completion at the learner's own pace. It delves deep into core concepts of diversity and inclusion, including different dimensions of diversity (race, gender, orientation, etc.) and the benefits of an inclusive work environment. It also explores the historical development of diversity and inclusion in management, providing a valuable perspective on how these concepts have evolved.
One unique feature of Cousera’s Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace program is its focus on social categorization and how it shapes our perceptions and interactions with others in the workplace. This can help participants understand their own biases and how they might impact their behaviour, allowing them to visualize barriers to diversity rather than just learn about them. The program is also rooted in the connection between diversity and inclusion and business success, making it clear how inclusive workplaces can lead to increased innovation, better problem-solving, and improved employee engagement.
