Research shows diversity is essential to success, but many companies don’t prioritize it. Diversity and inclusion training (also known as D&I or DEI) can increase understanding and an organization’s sustainability, but – strangely – it can also decrease diversity. Why? It’s often because companies and employees view training as an obligation rather than an opportunity. Results are ineffective and cause conflict. To be successful, organizations must commit to integrating training into every part of the organization. Here are ten companies offering holistic diversity and inclusion training:
Table of Contents
#1. Affirmity
#2. Artesian Collaborative, LLC
#3. Korn Ferry
#4. International Multicultural Institute
#5. Prism
#6. The Dream Collective
#7. Diversity for Social Impact
#8. The Kaleidoscope Group
#9. The Nova Collective
#10. The Management Center
Diversity and inclusion courses
#1. Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
#2. Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity
#3. Unconscious Bias: From Awareness to Action
#1. Affirmity
Once part of PeopleFluent, Affirmity provides consulting, training, expert analysis, and software. Using data-driven insights and diversity metrics, the company helps departments like human resources with goal setting. Measuring progress is essential, so Affirmity also offers tools and dashboards.
Affirmity serves over 1,000 clients ranging from international corporations to small businesses. Its D&I Training includes self-paced eLearning courses like “Microaggressions in the Workplace,” “Racism and Understanding the Black Experience,” and “Managing Unconscious Bias.” These topics are also covered in live, web-based virtual and classroom courses. Courses are customized for each client’s values and culture. Affirmity also offers consulting services that help clients with pay equity. With its models, Affirmity can analyze pay by department, demographic, or across an entire organization.
#2. Artesian Collaborative, LLC
The Artesian Collaborative, which specializes in psychotherapy and corporate training, offers services that support healthy workplaces. Its goal is to help businesses thrive through stressful situations. In its diversity training, the organization covers topics like identity, microaggressions, and privilege. Artesian focuses on creating safe environments where individuals learn to appreciate their own backgrounds and the backgrounds of their peers.
The training uses tools like discussion and experiential activities based on developmental psychology and cross-competency research. Organizations can take 1-2 day intensives with training specialists and meet with consultations before and after workshops. Facilitators are trained in managing cross-cultural issues and group dynamics, so communication is as smooth as possible. Artesian offers separate training programs on Stress, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome, as well as Disrupting Stress and Fear.
#3. Korn Ferry
This organization has been around for a long time. It has over 40 years of experience in D&I design and is the largest global consulting practice specializing in diversity and inclusion. Korn Ferry believes companies need a systemic approach to diversity and inclusion. Structural inclusion – a transformation of the system itself – and behavioral inclusion – more personal transformations within leaders and employees – are both needed.
In its work with organizations, Korn Ferry creates and implements D&I strategies based on data and analytics. Leaders identify their strengths, find growth opportunities, promote inclusive leadership, and bring in more under-represented talent.
#4. International Multicultural Institute
Founded in 1983, iMCI is one of the first organizations to offer services in the diversity and inclusion field. As a private, non-profit organization, its funding comes from service fees, foundation grants, contracts, and donations. In the past years, iMCI conferences have welcomed over 50,000 participants from everywhere in the United States and around the world. It works with government agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions, and corporations.
Through iMCI’s training, organizations are better equipped to manage multicultural teams, attract and keep a diverse workforce, and encourage employee productivity. Every program is tailored to an organization’s needs. The curriculum includes coaching and mentoring, leadership development, culturally-competent customer service, and more. Ongoing technical assistance is provided.
#5. Prism
Since 1992, Prism has created customized and sustainable strategies for companies in 24 countries. In addition to diversity training, the organization offers services on cultural competency, harassment, and discrimination. It has served clients in a variety of fields, including healthcare, finance, education, insurance, and the nonprofit sphere.
Prism uses what’s called the “PRISM Process.” There are six parts: Assessment, Organizational Vision, Strategic Planning, Implementation, Measurement, and Continuous Improvements. Each step has a specific purpose that helps a company transform itself from the top down. Prism understands the importance of the right Diversity Manager, so it also assists companies in recruiting and choosing the best candidate. Prism’s diversity training programs include “Building Inclusive Teams,” “Choosing Respect,” and “Unconscious Bias Training.” On its website, you can find testimonials from participants and clients.
#6. The Dream Collective
With 10+ years in corporate diversity programs, the Dream Collective focuses on long-term, sustainable changes in female representation. The company was founded in 2012 and grew into Australia’s most influential network of young professional women. The Dream Collective has worked with brands like Google, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and Unilever.
The Dream Collective offers a variety of diversity and inclusion services including needs analysis, expert inclusive hiring audits, expert consulting, and bespoke training. It uses a proprietary “5-Pillar Framework” diagnostic assessment. Organizations that work with the Dream Collective can expect training in managing unconscious bias, emotional intelligence, inclusive leadership, and much more. The Dream Collective also offers employer branding and the Emerging Leaders program, which supports and empowers young professional women.
#7. Diversity for Social Impact
This organization targets DEI professionals and service providers (like consultants, HR leaders, social sustainability officers, etc) who want to improve their strategies, reach more clients, and build better DEI programs. Diversity for Social Impact has also advised on DEI regulation and compliance in places like the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It provides DEI rankings for companies, NGOs, educational institutions, and government agencies. If organizations want to be recognized for their DEI progress, Diversity for Social Impact provides Diversity Equity Inclusion Workplace™ Certification to eligible organizations.
With its resources, Diversity for Social Impact strives to promote DEI, support and empower professionals, and educate the public on the importance of DEI. The website hosts numerous articles, as well as ways for professionals to connect and find DEI jobs.
#8. The Kaleidoscope Group
Since 1993, this full-service DEI consulting firm based in Chicago, IL has worked in DEI, cultural change, education, and organizational development. It’s been recognized among the top 10 pioneers in the industry. It’s also a certified minority organization. In its partnership with clients, the Kaleidoscope Group aims to “Free the Human Potential.” Topics include general consulting support, DEI integration and measurement, strategy review, coaching, DEI interventions, and much more.
When building a DEI strategy with clients, the Group has five strategic areas: diverse workforce, inclusive workplace, expanded marketplace, enhanced community reputation, and equitable supplier base. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive changes and sustainable, measurable results. The Kaleidoscope Group’s practice areas are assessment, global practice, law enforcement, and LGTBQ+.
#9. The Nova Collective
This company is a women-owned, BIPOC-led company that partners with organizations on customized DEI programs. Services include learning and development through customized instructor-led experiences and “off-the-shelf” solutions; research and data analysis that assess DEI metrics; and strategy and consulting with multi-disciplinary DEI experts. Nova was co-founded by four women with decades of experience in DEI, advertising, and communications.
Nova is passionate about changing “business as usual” and transforming workplace culture. It provides full-time staff and their families with 100% healthcare coverage for medical insurance (which covers gender affirmation), 8 weeks of fully-paid parental leave, unlimited PTO, and other benefits.
#10. The Management Center
Founded in 2006, the Management Center focuses on social justice and educational equity organizations. The business has impacted the practices of 79,000+ individual leaders and 1,200+ organizations. Services include intensive coaching services for senior leadership teams and executive directors; management training courses for managers and leaders; and curated resources on equitable, sustainable, and results-focused management. For groups with more than 15 participants, TMC offers in-house versions of its training.
When clients work with TMC, they can expect an approach rooted in results, specific recommendations, and a hands-on mindset. Equity and inclusion are at the heart of everything TMC does, so clients will learn to apply equity everywhere, including while setting goals and developing/testing for equity and inclusion competencies in hiring.
What are the best courses in diversity and inclusion?
If you’re an individual interested in learning more about DEI or your organization can’t hire a DEI company at the moment, here are three courses you can start with:
Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
From: ESSEC Business School
This course is a great introduction to DEI concepts and their dynamics in the workplace. Students will learn about the paradox of diversity (acknowledging differences can cause conflict, but diversity also has proven benefits), how to manage bias, and how to identify best practices in a workplace. Junko Takagi, a teaching professor at the ESSEC Business School, teaches the course. With 2 hours of work per week, students can complete the course in 4 weeks. Enrollment is free, but you’ll need to pay a course fee to get a certificate.
Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity
From: The University of Colorado
Taught by nationally-recognized DEI educator Dr. Brenda J. Allen, this course teaches students how to develop inclusive cultures. Through the modules, you’ll define inclusion and diversity, microaggressions, and micro-affirmations. You’ll also learn about the six signature traits of inclusive leadership and its benefits. The course takes a total of 22 hours over 4 weeks of study. Enrollment is free, but you’ll need to pay for a certificate.
Unconscious Bias: From Awareness to Action
From: CatalystX
Unconscious bias is one of the most prevalent and complex issues in workplaces. In this course, students will learn what unconscious bias is, how it impacts a professional environment, and how to manage it. By the course’s end, you’ll be able to create a work plan on inclusive leadership and bias management. With a 1-2 hour weekly commitment, the course takes about 3 weeks. Enrollment is free, but you’ll need to pay a fee for a certificate.
