In today’s multigenerational, multicultural workplace, promoting diversity and inclusion (D&I) contributes to an organization’s success and helps foster a more respectful, harassment-free culture. The concepts of D&I are closely linked, however, they aren’t the same and the difference is important. Diversity training can help employees gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of both diversity and inclusive-thinking and how to apply D&I principles in their interactions with co-workers, customers, colleagues and business partners.
SHRM defines diversity as “the collective mixture of differences and similarities that includes, for example, individual and organizational characteristics, values, beliefs, experiences, backgrounds, preferences, and behaviors.” Inclusion is “the achievement of a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources, and can contribute fully to the organization’s success.” There’s also the bumper sticker version: “Diversity is being invited to the party, while inclusion is being asked to dance.” Read On