Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Action

When Covid-19 first upended life as we knew it, "We're all in this together" was our rallying cry. But as we face the reality of the global economic fallout, it's clear that the pandemic has disproportionately affected marginalized groups around the world. As leaders committed to an equitable workplace, how can we strengthen our DEI efforts to respond to this?

It’s critical to view diversity, equity, and inclusion training as more than a cure for bias and discrimination in the workplace, but as a commitment to and investment in developmental journeys for organizations and individuals alike. We need to stop thinking about DEI training and initiatives as boxes to check, but rather weave learning (in all of its many diverse forms) into the daily fabric of corporate culture — through discussion forums, new leadership experiences, storytelling and social connection, videos, and any and all moments that capture, represent, and respect the beauty of our diverse existences and experiences and also our shared humanity.

In the span of this year, we have heard a rallying cry from around the world — we are looking for inspiration, we are looking for action, we are looking for progress, we are looking to stop talking about DEI and start closing the gaps experienced by so many.

Last year, I wrote an article that resonated with our partners. The title was "Stop Treating DEI Training Like A Round of Antibiotics.”

"As widespread attention is centered upon the quest for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), organizations are realizing that they must change the dynamics of the workplace in sustainable ways — and not only through programs and training. Companies are recognizing that they must address issues by rebuilding systems, processes, and cultural pillars that have allowed bias, discrimination, racism, sexism, and all disempowerment of marginalized groups to take root."

This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for employers to invest in the right learning experiences for learners at all stages of their careers because that is what we are. Whether we are executives or recent college graduates, the first step is embracing that we are all learners; we are all capable of building new habits and gaining new perspectives. It takes time, but each moment of learning is progress.

When it comes to designing new programs, there is a classic framework that I always go back to — the 70-20-10 rule:

• 70% of information gained is through experience

• 20% through social collaboration with others

• 10% from formal training

It is with this vision, that Skillsoft is deepening our commitment to you, our customers, our partners, — and all your learners — with a new DEI curriculum, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion In Action. We’ve designed these courses to be impactful, inspirational, and experiential to help you advance, nurture, and sustain a culture that appreciates and champions diversity, equity, and inclusion. With our experts, we learn the facts and demystify DEI concepts. Through real stories, we inspire and empower each other. Through guided facilitation and discussion, we start to reflect and build new informed perspectives.

Here are the courses we’ve just added:

WORKPLACE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN ACTION

Your guide to defining the elements of DEI and advancing impactful practices, regardless of your role or the size of your organization.

MOVING FROM BIAS TO INCLUSION IN A DEI JOURNEY

Explore the very human elements of bias and the ways to identify and surmount it on a journey to inclusivity.

RECOGNIZING AND ADDRESSING MICRO-BEHAVIORS IN THE WORKPLACE

Learn to recognize and decode the hidden messages of micro-aggressions and leverage the transformative power of micro-inclusions.

ADOPTING AN INCLUSION MINDSET AT WORK

Delve into specific actions to challenge bias throughout the entire employee experience and across organizational ecosystems.

BECOMING A DEI ALLY AND AGENT FOR CHANGE

Move from understanding to advocacy and action, with recommendations on how anyone can become a true DEI ally and agent for systemic change and progress.

Skillsoft is committed to the democratization of learning for all people. If you'd like to get a feel for our transformative approach, visit our DEI page, where we offer free resources from videos to Leadercamps to blog posts to podcasts and more. Here's a clip below:

All are invited to join us on this journey! Read how Skillsoft employees are diving right in, strengthening a global dialogue, and actively leading on our social channels. These courses are not just what we sell, they are what we strive to live and breathe.

Elisa is the Vice President of Global Talent Enablement at Skillsoft.