Some might take pause when the idea of online training for such complex and sensitive topics as diversity, equity, and inclusion is presented at their company. We believe that nothing can truly take the place of an expertly facilitated in-person workshop where people can gather together to have the space and time to talk and learn about these issues. However, we’ve found that if implemented correctly, a high-quality online course can be hugely beneficial, particularly for large and growing organizations.
Here are a few reasons why:
- Being able to learn at your own pace can have a huge advantage, especially for those that might absorb information at different times more effectively. By being able to schedule your learning, you’re working on your timetable for accessing and processing the information in the way that works best for you. Perhaps your best time to sit down and watch a video is at 9 PM at night, after everyone else has gone to bed. Perhaps it’s really early in the morning, before your work day starts. Self-paced learning works for you, not the other way around.
- Introverts, beginners to the DEI conversation, and those who are nervous to share their thoughts on these topics might find online learning to be a great way to become educated on this subject. Communicating directly with a facilitator online and being able to ask questions or share opinions in private might be more beneficial for some.
- For companies looking to scale their education efforts, online education tends to be more affordable. An online course can have significant cost savings the larger your organization is.
- As you onboard employees, it can be incredibly helpful to level-set their understanding of inclusion in corporate culture. By offering an online course on this topic as part of the onboarding process, you’ll be able to provide that foundational knowledge so that your employees can better address and understand these critical issues. You can also easily ensure that new employees are quickly able to join their peers in terms of shared understanding and vocabulary, without having to wait for a scheduled event to take place.
- We understand that you have employees who are at different points in their understanding of these topics. By providing a foundational course, you can more easily start to have deeper conversations on these topics, addressing some of the more nuanced issues including understanding microaggressions, digging into the recruiting process, how to be a truly effective ally, and more.
We recognize that no online course on these topics, even those that are self-paced, should be without the support and guidance of an expert facilitator. Our online course is loaded with useful, research-backed content and easily accessible activities. However, where we truly make a difference is through our direct access to a trained facilitator who can answer any questions you may have, maintaining that human touch.