Customized Diversity Training Programs: Benefit Beyond Compliance
Workplace training is an essential part of any business, providing employees with the skills they need to perform their job duties effectively and safely. But did you know that workplace training can also benefit your business in many other ways? Not only can it improve productivity and reduce employee turnover, but it can also help protect your business from legal liabilities.
One of the most significant benefits of workplace training is improved employee productivity. When employees receive the necessary training, they can perform their job duties more efficiently, reducing the time and resources needed to complete tasks. This not only saves the business money but can also improve the quality of the work performed, leading to increased customer satisfaction and retention.
Training also plays a crucial role in reducing employee turnover. Employees are more likely to remain with a company that invests in their development and provides them with growth opportunities. This reduces the costs associated with recruiting and training new employees, which can be a significant expense for businesses.
But perhaps most importantly, workplace training can help minimize legal liabilities. In many industries, employers are required by law to provide specific training to their employees, such as sexual harassment prevention, ADA compliance, and Title IX training. Failure to provide this training can result in legal consequences and costly lawsuits.
Under the law, workplace training is often required in specific areas to ensure that employees are aware of their rights and responsibilities and that employers are meeting their legal obligations. Here are a few examples:
Sexual Harassment Prevention Training: In many states and municipalities, employers are required to provide training on sexual harassment prevention to their employees. The exact requirements vary, but in general, this training must be provided on a regular basis to all employees and must cover topics such as what constitutes sexual harassment, how to report it, and the consequences of engaging in such behavior.
Bystander Intervention Training: This training teaches employees how to recognize and intervene in situations where someone is being mistreated or harassed. This type of training can help to create a workplace culture where employees feel empowered to speak up and take action when they see inappropriate behavior. Bystander intervention training typically covers a range of topics, including how to recognize potential instances of harassment or discrimination, how to safely and effectively intervene, and how to provide support to someone who has been mistreated. In recent years, some jurisdictions have begun to require bystander intervention training as part of their workplace training requirements. For example, the state of California now requires that employers with more than five employees provide bystander intervention training as part of their sexual harassment prevention training program. Chicago also requires the training. In addition to meeting legal requirements, bystander intervention training can also help to create a more positive and supportive workplace culture. By providing employees with the skills and knowledge they need to recognize and address inappropriate behavior, companies can help to create a safer and more welcoming work environment for all employees.
Title IX Training: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in education programs or activities that receive federal funding. As a result, many educational institutions are required to provide training on Title IX compliance to their employees. This training may cover topics such as how to recognize and respond to sexual harassment, how to report incidents, and how to provide support to victims.
Workplace Safety Training: Employers are required by law to provide training to their employees on workplace safety. This may include training on how to operate equipment safely, how to use protective gear, and how to identify and respond to workplace hazards.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training: While not required by law, many businesses are choosing to provide training on diversity training programs including those on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to their employees as a way to create a more inclusive workplace. Diversity and inclusion training may cover topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and how to create a more inclusive work environment.
In addition to the legally required workplace training, companies may want to offer additional training on topics such as conflict resolution, intersectionality, social identities, uncovering racism, and the gender gap for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, this type of training can help to create a more inclusive and welcoming workplace culture. By educating employees on topics such as social identities and intersectionality, companies can help to foster greater understanding and empathy among employees, which can lead to more positive working relationships and a more productive work environment.
In addition to the cultural benefits, offering this type of training can also help to minimize liability and provide legal defenses for companies. For example, if an employee makes a claim of discrimination or harassment, a company may be able to show that they provided training on these topics, which can help to demonstrate that they took proactive steps to prevent and address these issues.
Similarly, offering training on conflict resolution can help to minimize the risk of workplace disputes and can provide a framework for addressing and resolving issues before they escalate into more serious conflicts. This can help to reduce the risk of legal action and can also help to create a more positive and productive work environment.
Who Can Train?
When searching for a qualified workplace trainer, it's essential to consider several factors to ensure that your employees receive the best possible training. A qualified trainer should have a strong understanding of your industry and the specific needs of your business. They should also possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver training that is both effective and engaging.
Benefits of Customized Training versus Online Training
While there are many online training programs available that may seem convenient and cost-effective, they are often one-size-fits-all and may not address the specific needs of your business. Customized training, on the other hand, allows you to tailor the training to your organization's specific needs, ensuring that your employees receive training that is relevant and applicable to their job duties.
Customized training also allows for greater flexibility and can be delivered in a variety of formats, including in-person or online, depending on the needs of your organization. This can help minimize disruptions to your business operations and ensure that all employees receive the necessary training.
In addition, customized training can help create a more engaged and motivated workforce. When employees receive training that is tailored to their needs, they are more likely to feel valued and invested in the success of the business. This can lead to increased productivity, reduced turnover, and a more positive work environment overall.
Moxie Mediation's Workplace Training Services
At Moxie Mediation, we provide a wide range of training programs that cater to businesses of all sizes, from private entities to public organizations and higher education institutions. Our team of experienced trainers, led by Jessica Homer, a Florida licensed attorney and Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional, offers training in areas such as conflict resolution, sexual harassment prevention, ADA compliance, bystander intervention training, diversity and inclusion training, and Title IX investigations.
We also offer our Values Based Management Workshop, a half or full-day workshop aimed at working with managers to create and present clear organization values, translating to a more equitable, efficient, and effective workplace. With Jessica's expertise and passion for investigations and training, you can trust that your team will receive the highest quality training services at Moxie Mediation.
Investing in workplace training is a sound business practice that provides numerous benefits, from improving employee productivity and reducing turnover to minimizing legal liabilities.
At Moxie Mediation, we understand the importance of customized training and offer a wide range of programs designed to meet the specific needs of each client. We can work with your organization to develop customized training programs that address your specific needs and help improve your workplace environment.
Contact us today to learn more about our training programs and how we can help improve your workplace environment.