When markets are uncertain and times are lean, it can be tempting to cancel employee engagement and development programs like training and DEI initiatives. When times are tough, it is commonly understood that training will be one of the first cuts, usually coinciding with some level of workforce reductions. There is clearly a wide range of training: technical, job-specific training, leadership development, and of course, DEI training. All investments in employee development and retention are important, but in the grand scheme of balancing short and long-term organizational needs, how do you prioritize what training to stop, start, or continue? 

DEI training is imperative for organizations that want to create and sustain inclusive environments. Our philosophy at KEIRUS BY KJE is to incorporate training with a pro-business approach to drive commerce, culture, and community. To foster inclusion with a return on investment, organizations must not settle for a one-and-done approach that checks the box or makes the finish line the primary focus. Impactful DEI training is taught in phases, over time, to yield sustained transformation. We use a multi-phase approach to DEI training using our KEIRUS platform and throughout our instructor-led sessions because we realize the importance of intentional engagement during the learning curve. The check-the-box approach does not support this process or enhance retention, leading to systemic gaps in creating belonging and equitable workspaces. 

DEI training will yield results in organizations where leaders demonstrate humility to admit that continuous improvement is vital to success. This vulnerability reduces the fear of getting DEI wrong and promotes the growth mindset that should be modeled. This validates to employees that we don’t know what we don’t know, but we can learn and obtain new skills and new approaches to enhancing our culture with empathy and a greater understanding of the uniqueness of others. Now, you can move past the basic framework of “training” into a learning approach that provides what our firm calls Individual Transformative Experiences, or ITEs. KEIRUS implements six factors into all our learning experiences to transcend “training”. ITEs assist with cultivating growth and development through human interaction that elevates and promotes an inclusive culture. When the principles of DEI are not taught and experienced, they do not resonate, which results in low morale and poor performance. DEI education using an ITE approach, sets the stage for creating caring environments where employees are confident, they matter. When your organization is void of care, your employees stop caring.

DEI training is essential for three primary reasons: it fosters a culture of inclusivity that increases employee retention and engagement, increases innovation through a greater appreciation for diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and mitigates legal risk by enabling the skillset for all employees to address toxic workplace behaviors and language. When your organization is inclusive, you create awareness about unconscious bias and unfavorable behaviors, such as discrimination that discount employees and cause them to retreat and not perform as valuable team members. In addition to traditional DEI training, we have seen significant culture transformation in organizations who invest in the education for the champions and stakeholders who support the ecosystem’s infrastructure for A.B.I.D.E. (Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity). One example is our ERG Connect program, which focuses on successfully implementing employee resource groups, reinforces the importance of belonging and leveraging ERGs to strengthen business performance. ERGs support diverse perspectives and employee well-being. When your organization fosters inclusion, you become a highly sought-after employer, which increases market competitiveness. 

Innovation can be a byproduct of DEI training that employs Individual Transformative Experiences. Once your employees understand diversity, equity, and inclusion without the fear of making mistakes, they will utilize what they have learned to engage their co-workers so they can break down siloes and work together more cohesively. Our training through our KEIRUS platform allows employees to view real-life scenarios, see others overcome obstacles, and adjust personal mindsets regarding DEI and its true meaning. The more your team members relate to one another, the better they will work together, which is where brilliant ideas are initiated. 

The lack of the right kind of DEI training increases your vulnerability to lawsuits and legal risks, which cost more than the investment into a strategic DEI training program. As our May 2023 blog mentioned, “If you are not investing in building inclusive competencies across all team members and holding leaders accountable for equitable practices, you are creating a leaky culture that’s costing you more than you know.”

These firewalls are installed in your organization with the right approach to DEI education. 

It's time to examine how equipped your employees are and how well they create and contribute to an environment where everyone belongs. We have highlighted three reasons DEI training is critical, but there are more. We welcome the opportunity to show you how to move away from episodic, transactional DEI training that provides short-term results. If you are ready to leverage A.B.I.D.E. for transformative growth in your people, organization, and community, we can show you how, schedule with us now. 

Be a Change Maker: Join the ABIDE WITH CARE Challenge 

At KEIRUS, we believe individuals transform cultures, and cultures transform the world. While authentic culture transformation takes time, resources, and leadership commitment, as individuals, we can take personal action each day to improve the world. When you participate in the ABIDE WITH CARE CHALLENGE, you will join other advocates committed to showing C.A.R.E. in their daily interactions, through simple actions. 

To join our Abide with Care Challenge, join here: www.abidewithcare.com