Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Offer corporate diversity training and online diversity training

Choosing diversity training courses involves an understanding of what your employees need to help them improve their interactions with others. Accepting, understanding and celebrating differences makes for a successful team, so offer free diversity training that suits your office style. Use the training to promote growth - not simply another mandatory training.

I recommend: Diversity Training University International specializes in diversity with certification programs, training, consulting and magazines. For customized training programs, see Progroup. Diversity Builder offers customized workplace diversity training, and the opportunity to become a trainer. For a listing of online training diversity opportunities, see The Training Registry.

Host diversity training companies that supply diversity training programs suited for your employees

Seminars and workshops are helpful because there is more interaction with the facilitator/professional. The opportunity for individual questions improves the training relevance, and diversity consultants specialize their training to your company's needs. Training is more successful if employees are comfortable and there is open discussion of issues specific to your office.

I recommend: Seminars made to suit your business and schedule are available with AchieveMax. Basic Diversity workshops start from the very basic level of diversity training. For a relaxed diversity-training program that encourages conversation, check out New Demographic. For a seminar on capitalizing on diversity, see Business Training Works.

Increase your diversity training materials

Diversity training education starts with books, viewing videos/DVDs and actively observing your work environment and employees. Be aware of the differences between people, and learn how to appreciate everyone for their individual abilities. Everyone contributes to the group, and it is important to capitalize on the diversity and strengths of each person.

I recommend: Help diversity programs succeed through a Diversity Training Group article. U.S. Office of Personnel Management provides basic guidelines for diversity training. TrainingABC provides diversity-training material in the form of books, videos and DVDs. Add positive, uplifting diversity-training materials with Business Training Media supplies.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Set the example by openly appreciating each employee's individuality. Make diversity training exercises an everyday reality at your business.

Guide to Diversity Education and Training

Attract and retain valuable employees by including diversity training material in your education plans

By Colleen Dixon

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Make online diversity training available to newly hired employees

To ensure new hires are quickly familiarized with your business' diversity training information, introduce the concept in the interview and hiring phase. Online diversity training will give employees the flexibility of completing diversity training as they have time in the first few weeks after hire. You'll be able to get your new hires trained as they arrive, rather than waiting for a good-size group to hold a seminar. Online corporate diversity training saves the cost of holding a seminar and does away with the need to have a large group of your employees away from their jobs for training.

I recommend: Cost-effective online diversity training companies include IET, TrainUp.com and eLearners.com.

Follow up on a diversity training program

Repetition of diversity training information will reinforce important concepts for your employees, ensuring longer-term retention of ideas. Developing a method of follow-up also gives employees a chance to ask additional questions or clarify points of confusion.

I recommend: Send your employees regular updates on diversity training and on your diversity training program in particular. Employee Development Solutions has several relevant articles and offers a free newsletter. Include stories from NSN in company newsletters. Real-life stories can also effectively bring home the message of discrimination.

Give your managers specific diversity training materials designed to add diversity to your workplace

Managers need a thorough understanding of diversity in the workplace in order to supervise effectively. Supervisors interact with employees of various cultures, beliefs and other facets of a multi-cultural society. Give your managers the tools they need to take full advantage of the capabilities and talents of all employees.

I recommend: View diversity training companies and their diversity training programs at PRISM and Workplace Answers.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Research your options in diversity training programs carefully. Some diversity consultants may claim to be able to change some employee's long-held beliefs in a specific amount of time. This is an unreasonable expectation. Progress, not guilt trips or pressure, should be your aim in employee diversity training.
• •  Lead by example. Issuing a requirement for diversity training education without adhering to the concepts yourself will be evident to others. Leading from the front may mean your taking diversity training alongside your employees.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Examine online training companies to keep up with the latest in diversity training education

Consider the content of online diversity training programs specifically related to your organization's needs. Content areas of diversity training range from personal assessments to cultural issues and generational issues. You should also consider the technology used to deliver the materials, such as webinars, video courses, DVDs or conferences/workshops either at your site or at theirs.

I recommend: BizVision offers an extensive array of diversity training modules, offering a range of topics and timelines for completion. Similarly, BusinessTrainingMedia.com offers a variety of courses on DVD that can provide you with good ideas about the trends in diversity education today.

Check online magazines, articles or newsletters for diversity training information

To have a better understanding of the variety of issues and trends in diversity education, read or subscribe to newsletters from various corporate and diversity sources. These provide sources of information that allow you to appreciate the various issues related to diversity training in the workplace.

I recommend: An online magazine such as DiversityInc offers a monthly magazine that provides information about diversity in the news and in businesses. Employee Development Solutions provides free diversity training articles and allows you to subscribe to an e-zine. Diversity Training Workplace Solutions also provides a free online newsletter.

Use diversity consultants who keep abreast of the latest trends

Experts in the field of diversity training offer the ability to provide a needs assessment for your company. Diversity consultants can equip companies with knowledge and skills in the area of diversity. These consultants can help you stay informed on diversity education news and trends and develop employee diversity training programs.

I recommend: National Multicultural Institute offers services in assessment, training and coaching executives. Similarly, Pope & Associates is another diversity consulting company that specializes in tailoring diversity training needs to each organization.