The wide-ranging benefits of a diverse workforce are undisputed, yet there’s still an incredibly long way to go before organisations are truly inclusive and diverse. For many companies the topic of equality, diversity and inclusion can seem overwhelming and complex, which prevents them from tackling it head on. The truth is that it is a journey, and it is ok for businesses to take it one step at a time - change simply cannot happen overnight.

A good place to start

Online workplace training is a great way to begin educating people on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Whilst a passion for creating a diverse workforce is crucial for leaders and managers, it is important for every individual in the organisation to have an awareness of EDI, and what it means for them, those they work with and the wider community. On top of which, an employer has a moral duty to guide employees on how to create a fairer, kinder, and more inclusive workplace and community. For this reason, iHASCO (a leading provider of online workplace training) has created an exceptional 60 minute Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training course to help address this sensitive and highly important topic.

The course was created in partnership with Cecilia Harvey, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion lead at Royal HaskoningDHV, whose expertise and passion for raising awareness of EDI played a pivotal role in producing the script. The incredible graphics work alongside a clear, concise and sensitive script which covers highly relevant content including:

• The meaning of Equality, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• The different types of discrimination
• The Protected Characteristics (Race, Disability, Religion & Belief, Age, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Reassignment, Marriage & Civil Partnership, Pregnany & Maternity)
• Gender Identity
• Racism
• Practical improvements and ideas for change
• How to create the ideal workplace and more
  
  

This 60 minute presenter-led course also includes advised breaks; it encourages self-reflection; offers ample real-life examples and solutions; and it inspires learners to take practical action and make a genuine difference at work and outside of it.

The business benefits of promoting EDI in the workplace

“How to treat people fairly, kindly and respectfully is one of the most, if not the most, important things we humans can learn”,

says Lottie Galvin, Studio Manager and Mental Health First Aider at iHASCO.

“Online workplace training, that delivers mindfully-crafted content, is a powerful part of an organisation’s toolkit for creating a kind and inclusive workforce where every employee can contribute and succeed.”

Research shows that businesses with a more ethnically diverse senior leadership team are, on average, 36% more profitable. Plus, having a more diverse workforce - where team members come from different backgrounds and have different interests and experiences - means there are far more ideas, which helps improve creativity and problem solving as well as create better products and services.

A diverse workforce can also make an organisation a more appealing place to work, and therefore attracts a greater talent pool for job vacancies. It also helps build a brand's reputation. These business benefits are vital to success, and they help to ensure that every employee’s skills are recognised and utilised, and their uniqueness is celebrated.

Businesses interested in iHASCO’S Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training are invited to sign up for a free trial of the course. Contact iHASCO at hello@ihasco.co.uk or visit www.ihasco.co.uk/try

Alternatively, you can download our free guide to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, created in partnership with Citation.