DOES DIVERSITY TRAINING WORK?

What is Forms of diversity training: diversity training? Implicit Bias Training Anti-Bias Training Sensitivity Training It is a set of programs or interventions Cross-Cultural Training intended to reduce prejudice and bias, improve communications and inter-group relations, and increase the knowledge, skills, and motivation of employees.

What do we know about diversity training?

There are But also some BENEFITS... CONCERNS...

Real outcomes in skills, knowledge and learning. Are the results reliable? People attending a training program are more likely to Program evaluations (particularly self-assessments) don’t increase their knowledge/skills around diversity. often correctly reflect participant’s bias/prejudice. Positive effects on behavior. Worse behavior. An individual’s attidudes over time can be impacted by Diversity training can lead to worse behaviors if changing behaviors and knowledge. participants resent being selected for the training. Create a culture of change. Illusion of fairness. Training can help develop a growth mindset regarding the The presence of diversity training can make a company malleability of diversity-related behaviors. feel it doesn’t have a problem with bias when it does. Unlock the potential of teams. Stereotype rebound. Encouraging individuals to take the perspectives of those In some cases, participants who are instructed to avoid who are different from them enhances creativity. stereotypes will enact more stereotypical behaviors.

How to implement diversity training effectively

Take a behavioral approach. Other ways to challenge inequality... Use data and develop impact measurements. Host your training in an educational setting. Review hiring practices. Make it voluntary. Develop skills-based assessments. Create mentoring and sponsorship programs. Create new norms and set examples. Establish diversity committees or task forces. Spread out sessions over several days/weeks. Integrate with other policies and programs.

To learn more visit: www.gendereconomy.org/does-diversity-training-work/

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