Is Your Anti-Discrimination & Cultural Training Up to Today’s Standards? 

The United States is often referred to as a “melting pot.” Few other countries are as diverse as the U.S., and many small and medium-sized businesses reflect this. 

Companies with employees of varied backgrounds, cultures, genders, and ethnicities benefit from workers’ unique life experiences and perspectives. Originality, creativity, and outside-the-box thinking are just some of the advantages associated with a diverse workforce. Businesses staffed with employees of differing life experiences are also less likely to get caught up in groupthink which leads to suboptimal business practices and stagnation.

Unfortunately, discrimination against minorities and marginalized groups of people continues to be a problem in businesses across the country. As a business owner or business leader, it is crucial that you understand the legal, financial, and practical consequences of discrimination. 

Up-to-date, comprehensive anti-discrimination training is more important than ever. Unfortunately, many business owners put sensitivity training, anti-sexual harassment training, and anti-discrimination on the back burner. Not only does this oversight reduce the business’s potential for growth, it also puts the business in a precarious legal position.

Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Training

Illinois state law requires employers to provide anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training to employees. Employers must train employees on sexual harassment prevention and reporting procedures each calendar year. The Illinois Department of Human Resources provides a free sexual harassment training that meets the minimum requirements mandated by state law. However, employers are encouraged to do more than just the bare minimum.

Outdated, insufficient training does not speak to the ever-changing nature of American workplaces. Diversity is not just about race. Religion, neurodiversity, mental health, sexual orientation, gender identity, and family/parenting matters are just some of the modern issues employers must be aware of and sensitive to. Misinformation and animosity surrounding these issues are not uncommon and employers are wise to take a proactive approach to sensitive employee matters rather than a reactive approach.

Comprehensive sensitivity training can have a multitude of concrete and abstract benefits. Training can reduce the chances of your company being sued for discrimination or hostile work environment harassment. Even more importantly, this type of training promotes understanding, kindness, open-mindedness, and collaboration within your company. If you are a business owner or business leader, take some time to consider whether your current anti-discrimination and cultural training needs to be revamped for today’s changing work landscape.

Call Us for Help

Sensitivity training addressing discrimination and harassment in the workplace is one of the best ways to protect your company’s future. At the Gierach Law Firm, we know that businesses’ needs are always changing. Our Naperville business law attorneys can provide the legal support and guidance you need. Call 630-756-1160 for a confidential consultation.

Sources:

Illinois Legislative Reference Bureau

Illinois Department of Human Rights