Diversity and Inclusion Education
Inclusion can be hard work. In order to create real behavioral change in support of diversity, it is necessary to support progress by providing education and tools that are available to all employees. It is critical to raise awareness of your diversity and inclusion goals and to help employees think about their own interactions and act in ways that support those goals. Education and training should be candid about the challenges of working on diverse teams and suggest ways to benefit from them, and also focus on both overt unacceptable behaviors and the consequences of subtle micro-messages that discourage inclusion. Education can also occur through many mechanisms, such as diversity councils and ERGs. Creating empowered cells of diversity, and appointing inclusion champions to troubleshoot the everyday issues that arise when employees of diverse backgrounds work together, provides additional means for education and engagement.
Drawing from our vast knowledge—based on conversations with members, research, D&I Practices, and advisory work—Catalyst can help equip clients with new insights on topics ranging from the business case for diversity and inclusion to the particular contexts and behaviors that support inclusion and the vital role individuals play in ensuring a more inclusive work environment. We have helped clients think through how to increase the impact of educational programs through direct alignment with strategy. We have developed workshops, advised on curriculum and educational vehicles, and trained internal trainers. Throughout our partnership, our goal is for clients to be both educated about what diversity and inclusion means and cognizant of what they can do to model inclusion. Catalyst can also advise you on ways to increase championship with awareness, empowerment, and accountability.