The Role of Workplace Discrimination Training in the Modern Workplace

About 55% of workers claim that they've experienced discrimination in their current workplace. That's a huge percentage, and it's a real problem. Employees shouldn't have to be afraid of going to work for fear of discriminatory practices.

Is your workplace a safe place for marginalized communities? It should be, or else you're doing a disservice to your employees. Workplace discrimination training can help.

But what purpose does this training really serve in the modern workplace? Can it really be beneficial? Should you still spend time and money on it if it's not required by the law?

We're here to talk about it. Read on to learn why workplace discrimination training is so helpful.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

All employers have heard about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Over 50% of employees believe that increasing diversity and inclusion is a good and important thing to do. If employers want to get with the times, they need to be on top of it.

Inclusive training, in this case discrimination training, helps organizations promote diversity and inclusion by raising awareness about people with different backgrounds and experiences. It educates employees about the value of diversity and the importance of respecting all of their unique colleagues.

It's important for workplaces to have an inclusive culture if you want employees to feel comfortable and supported.

Preventing Discriminatory Behavior

Discrimination training aims to prevent discriminatory behavior. It's important for employers to get ahead of any potential problems. Mandating discrimination training will inform people who are ignorant of these issues and weed out those who may be intentionally discriminatory.

This training also gives employees the information and tools they need to identify and report any occurrences of discrimination or harassment. It gives everyone expectations for appropriate behavior and shows potential consequences for violating policies or legal protections. You're helping people who may be targets and informing people who may be perpetrators.

Complying with Legal Requirements

Discrimination training helps organizations comply with legal requirements. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces laws against discrimination in the workplace. You can avoid any problems with the EEOC by requiring this training.

 Many jurisdictions require employers to provide training on sexual harassment, diversity, and implicit bias, among others. This inclusive training isn't just helpful. It may be necessary.

Creating a Safe and Respectful Workplace

Discrimination training contributes to creating a safe and respectful workplace environment. This should be important to all employers. Every employee should want all employees to feel valued and empowered to perform their best.

A safe and inclusive workplace helps with employee morale and retention. It's difficult to make employees happy and keep them around if they don't feel safe.

Workplaces, in most ways, should be safe spaces for your employees to do their tasks. If you're not providing a safe environment, you're doing them a disservice.

Mitigating Legal Risks

By providing discrimination training, organizations can mitigate legal risks.  Workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims come at a cost. You don't want your workplace to deny someone their civil rights.

Training programs demonstrate a commitment to compliance. They also provide evidence of proactive efforts to prevent and address discriminatory conduct. If an employee displays such conduct anyway, it becomes an individual issue rather than a company issue.

You don't want to end up on the wrong side of a discrimination case. Not only will you harm an employee (or multiple employees), but you'll also be on the line for hefty fines (or more). Get ahead of the problem by educating your employees before they can make mistakes.

Empowering Employees

You should do your best to empower your employees. You can do that with the right training.

Discrimination training empowers employees to speak up and take action. If they witness or experience discrimination or harassment, they'll have an idea of what to do. They may not end up freezing (as is common in these situations).

It encourages open communication and gives them resources to address concerns. That empowerment may not seem important, but it goes a long way.

Building Trust and Credibility

As a business owner, trust and credibility are essential. You want your employees, your supporters, and your customers to trust you. If you don't have a safe and inclusive workplace, why would they?

Investing in discrimination training shows that an organization has a commitment to equality and social responsibility. It enhances the organization's reputation as an ethical and inclusive employer.

Part of this, unfortunately, is about image. You want to look like an inclusive employer as well as actually being one. This will help you attract new talent who want to feel safe in the workplace and help you retain your customers.

Your reputation is everything. If doing something good and helpful will help you build that reputation, that's fantastic.

Creating Culturally Competent Employees

It's not an employer's job to make their employees culturally competent. However, it doesn't hurt. If you can improve your employees as people, why wouldn't you take that opportunity?

Discrimination training increases employees' cultural competence by increasing their understanding of different cultural norms. It teaches them about unique communication styles and social identities. It helps employees navigate diverse work environments and collaborate with colleagues from different backgrounds.

For some employees, these concepts won't be particularly novel. For others, they'll all be brand-new. Remember, some employees come from places with very little diversity, and even if they're good people, they may need a boost.

You can give them that boost with the right training program.

Workplace Discrimination Training is Essential for the Modern Workplace

If you haven't invested in workplace discrimination training, what are you waiting for? It isn't just essential for legal reasons. It can also help you create better and more culturally informed employees.

If you want to create a safe and inclusive workplace for all of your employees, regardless of their backgrounds, it's time for the right training. Compliance Training Online has the training programs you need.

Check out our EEOC course catalog to find the right training program for your team today.