Does Diversity Training Work?

A recent piece published by Gender and the Economy asks whether or not diversity training actually works.

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The question, to be clear, is not whether there are tangible positive changes that can be garnered through fostering a more diverse workplace, the benefits of which are well-documented, including expanding applicant pools, improving both internal and external communications, and providing the foundation for increased innovation. 

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The question is whether or not any of the many types/formats/structures/depths and manners of instruction that currently fall under the broad header of diversity training can actually help to create a more diverse and accepting environment. 

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While there can be negative outcomes as a result of diversity training, including creating the illusion of fairness by hiding behind a facade of proactive diversity promotion that masks a less inclusive reality underneath, the article makes the case that, when done properly, the results can actually have real effects on employee behavior, interaction, creativity, and company culture. 

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In order to ensure a greater likelihood of seeing these positive benefits via diversity training, companies and training organizers should use data to guide the process, conduct seminars in an educational setting, make attendance voluntary to avoid reluctance backlash, and establish new company norms in direct response to prime company culture for real change. 

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You can read more about these topics here.