Here is our list of the best diversity and inclusion training programs.
Diversity and inclusion training programs educate corporate organizations on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The programs raise awareness of legislation and best practices that aid workplace inclusion. Examples include Diversity Works by HRDQ and DEI Certificate Program by eCornell. The training helps create an inclusive company culture that repels bias and prejudice.
Diversity and inclusion training programs are great diversity and inclusion activities you can use for your next lunch and learn idea. These workshops could be a great addition to Women’s History Month ideas, Black History Month ideas, and Pride Month ideas.
This list includes:
- free diversity training programs
- diversity and inclusion training companies
- in person diversity and inclusion training
- online diversity and inclusion training
- DEI training programs
Let’s get started!
List of diversity and inclusion training programs
From Diversity Works by HRDQ to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace by ESSEC Business School, here are the top diversity and inclusion training programs.
1. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate Program by eCornell
This DEI course is a two-month online program designed by Cornell University. The course suits business owners, managers, and HR professionals. The program trains leaders on the psychology and procedure for building more interactive companies. eCornell teaches you to spot counterproductive ideals within the organization and build an inclusive culture among employees.
The diversity program at eCornell focuses on four significant aspects, including:
- fostering inclusivity
- improving employee engagement
- understanding what workplace diversity and inclusion is
- countering unconscious bias
This course shows you how to assess employee engagement in your organization and detect setbacks. In addition, the system helps ease organizational culture and identify unconscious bias. In the end, you get a DEI certificate and 40 professional development hours. The course costs $3,699.
Learn more about the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate by Cornell University.
2. Diversity Works by HRDQ
Diversity Works is an engaging and unconventional course that uses interactive games with a hands-on and fun approach. Companies often have employees from all cultures, ethnicity, and sexual orientations.
The program touches on three aspects:
- understanding self
- understanding others
- improving communication
Learners begin to understand themselves and what makes them unique. Next, the course focuses on how to appreciate the individuality of other coworkers in the workplace. The course improves communication so coworkers can get along better.
The three-hour course keeps you engaged and can host up to 25 participants. The group can communicate with one another, which elevates the learning experience. You can also learn through kinesthetic, auditory, or problem-solving categories. Diversity Works also has a set-up guide, Facilitator Guide, and activity and participant materials. You can choose between high-tech and low-tech options. The course costs about $500.
Learn more about Diversity Works.
3. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Training by iHasco
The EDI is a free training by iHASCO that aids your understanding of the Equality Act in the UK. You can use the training to introduce your employees to diversity best practices. The author aims to improve employee interaction, allowing for increased productivity.
This EDI training focuses on ethical and social responsibilities. The course details what constitutes discrimination, victimization, and unfair treatment in an organization. Additionally, the program breaks down how to identify unacceptable behaviors. You also learn how to make necessary improvements at work.
The program lasts about 60 minutes and has a printable certificate. The International Institute of Risk and Safety Management & Citation also approves the program. The course is available in over 37 languages, including German, French, and Polish. iHasco offers a free trial and numerous team subscription plans for one-, two-, and three-year durations. However, single users can pay $25 for one course.
Learn more about Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Training.
4. Unconscious Bias by Microsoft
Unconscious Bias is a free training by Microsoft that you can undergo at your own pace. Microsoft’s size and complexity give the organization a unique perspective on managing employees.
The Unconscious Bias training will help you identify the source and effect of biases. Many biases are implicit or unintentional, which is why online or in person diversity and inclusion training is important in all organizations. The course delves into microaggression, discrimination, and prejudices. Understanding the meaning and manifestations of the concepts makes them easier to spot and adjust.
The course is online and easy to complete. You can download the “Make it Real” worksheet, which helps you build a plan to counter biases in the workplace. You also learn inclusive mindsets that can drive innovation within your organization. The course is available in several languages, including Spanish, French, and German.
Learn more about Unconscious Bias.
5. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate Program by AMA
The American Management Association trains organizations on multiple corporate solutions. The DEI certificate program is one of the group’s most recognized trainings.
The course explains the nuance of diversity and the damaging effects of microaggression and unconscious bias. The course equips your team to handle bias and seclusion within the office. In addition, you learn to build an emotionally intelligent and productive workforce by leveraging the course. You will also understand what impacts your team members’ moods and stress levels.
The course is highly suited for managers, executives, and HR professionals. You can also opt in for in person or online training for your team. Upon completion, students receive 18 Professional Development units and a certificate. The program costs $3,295 for non-AMA members and $2,995 for members. General Services Administration participants pay $2,837.
Learn more about the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate Program.
6. Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace – Essential Concepts by Compliance Training Group
The Compliance Training Group is one of the top diversity and inclusion training companies. The organization has over two decades of experience in DEI training. The group offers employee training on workplace violence, sexual harassment, and inclusion. In addition, the materials cover an important sensitivity training module.
The course explores implicit and unconscious bias, discrimination, and prejudice. The lessons help you identify the manifestation of the “halo” and “horn” effect in an organization. You also learn the difference between cultural appreciation and appropriation. The course also walks you through cultural humility and how to navigate cultural differences. Overall, this knowledge reduces conflicts and improves team efficiency. Employees and managers alike will benefit from the training.
Each training duration is 60 to 90 minutes, as the platform offers many courses. The program costs $29.99 per participant and allows for a flexible learning approach.
Learn more about Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace – Essential Concepts.
7. Respect Gender & Sexual Differences & Assert Yourself by Eleventure Team
In undergoing the DEI course by Udemy, you will find important components of inclusion. For example, how to interact with individuals using respectful language surrounding sexual differences are some of the key focus areas of this course. Furthermore, participants learn to acknowledge limits and respect team members’ boundaries by being more empathetic.
The course further shows you how to know, express, and assert yourself in the office. Self-awareness is an integral part of the DEI course and requires deliberate work. The course costs about $14.99 per participant. When you buy the course, you have full lifetime access and a certificate of completion.
Engaging your team members in the Respect Gender course improves communication within your team. Eleventure Team has further translated the lesson into French, German, and Spanish. Companies such as Nasdaq, Volwagon, and Eventbrite.
Learn more about Respect Gender & Sexual Differences & Assert Yourself by Udemy.
8. Ethical Work Culture Training Course by ProProfs Diversity Training
ProProfs is a software company that specializes in delivering training software for businesses. You can create and customize diversity training that fits your company’s needs. Depending on your employees, you can choose between the beginners’ or advanced packages. The beginner’s package gets you ten licenses, while the advanced package has 100.
The Ethical Work Culture Training course emphasizes the core moral principles required in an office environment. The program sheds light on fairness, equity, and honesty regarding office relationships. The instructor, James Galluzo, has over 25 years of HR, leadership, and strategic planning experience.
ProProfs training allows you to add quizzes, presentations, and videos to the package. The platform also provides smart reports and analysis for administrative use. Companies like CISCO, DHL, and Yale University trust ProProfs for seamless training courses. The course costs $1.97 per learner per month and is billed annually.
Learn more about the Ethical Work Culture Training Course.
9. Diversity and Inclusion Certification Course by HR University
HR University designed the DEI program specifically for HR professionals and management. The program breaks down the complexities of gender, race, and disability. The trainees learn about bias, harassment, and cultural misrepresentation. The course teaches top management personnel to plan for inclusion and diversity.
In the 20-hour course, HR University trains you on the following:
- creating a sense of belonging
- organizing the company’s vision
- types of bias
- micro behaviors
- active listening
- harassment
- monitoring and managing disability
The program consists of a dozen case studies, quizzes, and assessments. The principles in the course apply to all industries. In addition, experts teach the class with practical insights and easy-to-implement instructions. An instructor also provides valuable feedback during the program. The feedback helps you assess your team’s understanding of key concepts. The program costs $299 per month and is suitable for administrators.
Learn more about the Diversity and Inclusion Certification Course.
10. Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace by ESSEC Business School
The DEI course is one of the most sought-after free diversity training programs. The program is free on Coursera and takes about 10 hours to complete. The instructor discusses leveraging your company’s diversity to improve productivity. You also learn to build an inclusive brand and working environment. Consequently, you learn how to navigate difficult conversations and communicate better.
The course focuses on the dynamics of diversity and inclusion. Within your organization, you will identify ways to manage diversity using global practices. The program runs for two hours per week for four weeks. The teaching medium includes videos, reading materials, and a quiz. The course is a suitable way to train individual members or leaders of your team.
Learn more about Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace.
11. Professional Certificate in Inclusive Leadership by Catalyst
A nonprofit called Catalyst designed the inclusive leadership program to teach gender diversity. Catalyst specializes in developing a safe work environment for women. Hence, the program tackles gender disparity in workplaces.
The Inclusive Leadership program trains leaders on the importance of proper communication skills. The right communication strategy helps to build relationships in the office space.
Business leaders will learn how to leverage the four core inclusive leadership behaviors:
- empowerment
- accountability
- courage
- humility
Through this course, your team will experience a mindset shift. The program is flexible and requires about two hours weekly. For the full three-month program, companies will pay $186.30.
Learn more about the Professional Certificate Inclusive Leadership.
12. Communicating with Diverse Audiences by the University of Surrey
The University of Surrey developed the course for the FutureLearn platform to help diverse teams communicate better. The program targets corporate culture, internal communication, and interpersonal relationships. Also, the course highlights how a slight language difference can impact an organization. When team members speak different variants of English, the language barrier is evident.
Unconscious biases are often present in daily communication. Hence, the course highlights mindful communication and understanding nuance. Another step in the class is checking your communication strategy’s effectiveness. The program requires three hours weekly for four weeks and costs $19.99 monthly.
Learn more about Communicating with Diverse Audiences.
13. Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace by University of Pittsburgh
Gender and Sexuality explores the professional impact of the evolution of gender identities. The University of Pittsburgh developed the course in conjunction with Coursera. The materials discuss the historical, social, and political context of sexuality and gender. You also learn the most current laws on gender and sexuality in corporate settings.
Gender and Sexuality is suitable for leaders in organizations and team members. The program aids the team’s understanding of encouraging an inclusive work environment. In addition, your team will be able to tackle misconceptions and unconscious biases around gender. The free course takes 16 hours to complete. The class is available in different languages, including Italian, Vietnamese, and Russian.
Learn more about Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion.
14. How Was Your Day? by Media Partners
How Was Your Day? portrays how a respectful work environment should function. The approach is unconventional and practical, as the class features interactive videos. The video helps participants identify bias, bullying, or harassment easily. Additionally, participants will learn about the negative impact of certain biases in a corporate environment. You will also understand how prejudice develops in an environment, leading to a lack of diversity.
The course breaks down how to prevent biases by standing up for inclusion. Additionally, this program walks you through self-assessment and knowledge awareness. The video tackles different aspects of diversity and offers practical tips to build better office cultures. The course is suitable for leaders and employees alike. The small business plan package costs $1,150 and accommodates up to 100 learners.
Learn more about How Was Your Day?
15. Diversity and Inclusive Leadership by EGADE Business School and Get Smarter
This DEI leadership program aims to build diversity-aware leadership in organizations. EGADE Business School and GetSmarter developed these lessons for top management. The course suits supervisors, managers, and CEOs as they work with employees. After taking this class, your management team will be able to navigate complex company structures.
Your team leads will learn the utility of being relatable, personable, and appealing. Important modules cover leadership styles and creating organizational engagement. The class first addresses developing an inclusive self before an inclusive team. The eight-week DEI program costs $1,000, with the option of installment plans.
Learn more about Diversity and Inclusive Leadership.
16. Diversity for Dummies: Making Multiculturalism Work by Warren Chalklen, PhD
Diversity for Dummies teaches how to work with coworkers from different cultural backgrounds. This program cultivates a safe, inclusive, and connected work environment. The course also covers the process of developing an inclusive and productive workspace.
Diversity consciousness is not left out, as instructors discuss its importance and how to develop it. The course takes you through the six areas of diversity consciousness. One of those areas is identifying the barriers to diversity in leadership. In addition, the anti-bias training explains bias based on race, gender, and socio-economic status.
The video content with workbooks helps you build diversity-conscious leadership in your organization. Diversity for Dummies is a free course that lasts 109 minutes.
Learn more about Diversity for Dummies: Making Multiculturalism Work.
17. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Teams and Organizations by the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan offers a variety of DEI training programs for organizations. This program aims to improve your ability to build a diverse, fair, and inclusive team. You will gain personal awareness of your biases and privileges. Participants also learn to identify stereotypes, microaggression, and discrimination. The course is great for employees, team leaders, and managers.
The program combines psychological research with practical management tools to maximize impact. Some modules cover specific topics such as allyship and inclusive and fair leadership. Other modules explore the leading DEI strategies, opportunities, and diversity challenges.
The program offers you a live session with a dedicated instructor. Afterward, you gain access to a community that encourages inclusivity projects. The online course costs $2,000, runs for five weeks, and takes about seven hours weekly.
Learn more about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Teams and Organizations.
18. Foundations of Diversity and Inclusion at Work TeachOut by the University of Virginia
The course is an introductory but comprehensive training on diversity and inclusion. You can access over six instructors from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. The course helps you learn and unlearn the basics of human interactions. You also understand how to navigate difficult conversations about equity.
The course’s trainers show you the role of diversity in your business strategy and leadership. Social class impacts thoughts and behaviors, even when employees are unaware of its effects. Managers responsible for dictating company culture would benefit from this course. The free program runs for five hours and is available on Coursera.
Learn more about the Foundations of Diversity and Inclusion at Work TeachOut.
19. Unintentional Still Hurts: Overcoming Unconscious Bias by Media Partners
Unintentional Still Hurts tackles implicit bias in the workplace. The lesson aims to tackle the disparity between the intention and impact of biases in the workplace. Implicit biases can manifest in conversations, questions, or actions. Bias also comes in assumptions that seem innocent but are disrespectful to others.
Unintentional Still Hurts helps you unlearn certain beliefs and behaviors. You will identify the behaviors that hamper better conversations and interactions with employees. Additionally, the course provides tips for managing microaggressions and de-escalating a volatile situation. Leaders will also learn their role in cultivating a culture of respect.
This program helps you measure bias acceptance and overcome resistance to change. The paid course costs $1,150, runs for 45 minutes, and is available in English and Spanish.
Learn more about Unintentional Still Hurts.
20. Ally Up: How to Build and Activate Ally Partnerships by Victoria Mattingly
Ally Up teaches companies how to engage in allyship efforts and programs. The discussion of allyship covers gender, racial, and sexuality perspectives. In addition, the course covers setting up strategies for communication. You will also understand how to build connections with individuals from all groups. The program includes Allyship Playbook with reflection tools, exercises, and assessments for your ally partnerships.
The program teaches you the benefits of being an ally and how to amplify allies’ efforts. The course costs $199.99 and has a duration of two hours. Nasdaq, Volkswagen, and Eventbrite use the Ally Up course for their employees.
Learn more about Ally Up.
Conclusion
Inclusion and diversity training programs are important for any modern organization to thrive. The training programs make it easy to identify harmful stereotypes or behaviors. In addition, a good training program should elevate employee morale and improve the company’s productivity.
Including all workers at all departmental levels maximizes the impact of inclusion and diversity programs. At the end of your program, you should be able to create a plan to integrate what you learned into your organization. Training tailored to your company’s needs also helps tackle specific issues. Sometimes, an expert instructor is the way to go for personalized strategies.
Next up, check out these ideas for Black History Month celebrations, Cinco de Mayo activities, and Chinese New Year celebrations.
