Despite the good intentions behind diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training programs, they’ve recently faced growing criticism. Academics and management experts are raising doubts about the effectiveness of these initiatives in creating a fairer and more productive workplace. They are questioning whether there are better approaches to addressing employees’ biases than simply confining them to sporadic workshops.
DEI Training is a Money Maker for Consultants
Organizations have eagerly enlisted the services of DEI training consultants. As reported by McKinsey, U.S. firms allocate approximately $7.5 billion each year to this lucrative industry, with roughly 80% of organizations implementing some form of mandatory training. However, these sessions are frequently limited to a single occurrence, resulting in minimal or no significant impact on driving real change.
Initially seen as cost-effective with legal and PR benefits, DEI programs are often reactionary, aiming to address misconduct or societal trends like protests. Furthermore, DEI efforts can serve as a defense against litigation, as companies facing legal risks have observed that judges may view the presence of these programs favorably.
Training can also offer a more cost-effective solution compared to extensive organizational changes. Employers can quickly demonstrate their commitment to diversity initiatives by incorporating training, along with public relations materials and mission statements on their websites. This approach saves time and money, as it avoids the need for in-depth evaluations of recruitment and more far-reaching practices throughout the organization.
Why is DEI Training Often Ineffective?
Antibias exercises assume that raising awareness of subconscious biases will enable individuals to better manage or mitigate them. However, if those biases are truly subconscious, a mandatory emphasis on DEI can inadvertently trigger and reinforce stereotypes, potentially exacerbating the problem rather than addressing it.
Many DEI training initiatives provide insufficient time for meaningful behavior change, as daylong sessions are ineffective. Longer workshops may have temporary impact but fade quickly. Each organization has unique demographics, operational functions, and levels of collaboration, so a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t Additionally, mandatory training can lead to hostility; voluntary participation is key.
Managers delegating DEI activities to consultants undermines the initiatives. It sends a message that that DEI may just be nice to have as opposed to a business-critical imperative. Merely appointing a chief DEI officer falls short of establishing a true culture of diversity throughout the organization.
Outcomes Matter More than Intentions
The following guidelines can help you go beyond good intentions and make DEI training more successful:
- Make it voluntary, not mandatory.
- Train employees for career progression rather than relying on ad hoc promotions.
- Foster exposure and familiarity to mitigate bias through initiatives like mentoring and department rotations.
- Avoid burdening marginalized individuals as sole champions, as they may feel uncomfortable in that role.
- Promote inclusivity for all by ensuring initiatives are not limited to specific demographics.
- Set realistic expectations as employees prefer to see tangible results before fully committing to an initiative.
