Training healthcare employees on topics such as microaggressions, unconscious bias and cultural competency is one of the essential steps in building a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), where diverse ideas and experiences are welcome.

And as job openings in the healthcare industry hit record highs, DEI training can help organizations attract and retain employees. Findings from a 2021 survey by Press Ganey, the national leader in healthcare consumer and workforce engagement, reveals that healthcare organizations are at risk of losing twice as many employees when they are perceived as not prioritizing DEI or valuing people from different backgrounds. 

As part of a multi-pronged strategy, these 5 training topics can help healthcare organizations foster DEI among employees, managers and staff:  

Diversity Inclusion and Sensitivity

All healthcare employees play a role in promoting workplace diversity, inclusion and sensitivity by supporting colleagues from diverse backgrounds and their unique talents, ideas and beliefs. Being aware of and respecting co-workers’ differences and comfort levels fosters a positive work environment where people feel valued and comfortable being their authentic selves.

Cultural Competency & Humility

Becoming culturally competent is essential to understanding and effectively interacting with people of different cultures and backgrounds. Having a greater appreciation for how personal belief systems influence perceptions, decisions and interactions improves working relationships within healthcare.

Unconscious Bias

Unconscious or implicit bias occurs when individuals make judgments, favorable or unfavorable, about people based on stereotypes or preconceived opinions. Unconscious bias training helps employees recognize and understand their own biases, and what they can do to prevent them from interfering with workplace decisions and interactions.

Microaggressions

Intentional or unintentional slights, snubs and insults, known as microaggressions, can create conflicts at work and overtime negatively impact the mental and physical health of employees, as well undermine DEI efforts. Training employees to recognize and safely respond to microaggressions in the workplace is one of the proactive steps organizations can take to raise awareness of these negative behaviors and promote a culture of inclusion.

Religion, Spirituality & Beliefs

Enabling employees to express their religion, spirituality and beliefs is another aspect of fostering a DEI culture that respects the beliefs of others. In addition, managers need to understand their responsibility to handle complaints of religious discrimination and address requests for religious accommodations at work. 

Traliant Insight

Training healthcare employees to interact effectively with people of diverse backgrounds is essential to building a high performing team and a supportive culture that provides quality care. The right training can foster a workplace environment where staff members feel valued and respected to improve employee retention and patient outcomes.