In today's rapidly evolving corporate landscape, promoting a culture of compassion, genuine diversity, inclusion and equity is vital. Following the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, many issues have risen to the surface. Companies have been called out for performative allyship , others have been sued for racial discrimination and more people are demanding fairness, including many millennials who will become the lifeblood of corporations.
In a Monster Poll, “83% of Gen Z candidates said that a company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is important when choosing an employer.” [1]
With this in mind, how are companies ensuring the workplace is safe for its ethnic minority staff? Reports of workplace racism are easy to locate due to their frequency.
According to a TUC report, in 2022 two in five workers have faced racism at work in the last five years. [2]
Amongst many key services, the UK police forces are now speaking much more prominently about antiracism training for the police as they recognise the trust deficit many black and other ethnic minorities have in authorities.
“Policing recognises that the racial disparities affecting Black people are most acute and the trust deficit presents a significant challenge to police legitimacy and effectiveness.”[3]
Antiracism train the trainer courses have emerged as powerful tools to change the way racially marginalised people are viewed and treated, therefore increasing the likelihood they will enjoy a long-happy career in their chosen places of work.
If you are new to the idea of antiracism training for trainers, here we have mapped some of the major benefits for companies that do so.
Benefits
Cost-Efficient In-House Training
One of the primary advantages of investing in an antiracism train-the-trainer course is the ability to conduct in-house training sessions. This not only saves costs associated with external training but also empowers organisations to deliver continuous antiracism education to both existing staff and recruits. The course serves as a perpetual resource, enabling teams to refresh their knowledge and skills independently.
Cultural Transformation
By using a person-centred approach, an antiracism train-the-trainer course can help trainers fully understand the day-to-day microaggressions and how unconscious and conscious biases seep into everyday conversations and interactions. Participants learn to navigate challenges with empathy and understanding. A good course teaches learners about racial trauma and how to use a trauma-informed approach when training. This all helps to develop compassionate cultures where genuine care and concern are extended to recipients of racial discrimination.
Flexibility in Training Delivery
Antiracism train-the-trainer courses offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing organisations to tailor training programs to their unique needs. With homeworkers, remote staff, those working flexible hours, etc… It can be tricky to find the right time to train people when inviting in an external trainer. An internal trainer has the flexibility to work with smaller groups and in different ways to suit the needs of staff.
Enhanced Retention and Recruitment
Investing in antiracism training demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion and antiracism efforts, making your organisation more attractive to a diverse talent pool. By creating a workplace where individuals from ethnic minorities feel valued, the courses contribute to higher retention rates and facilitate more inclusive recruitment practices.
Wellbeing of Ethnic Minorities
These courses go beyond theory, providing practical methods to support the well-being of ethnic minorities when faced with racist incidents whether overt or covert. Empowering staff to understand microaggressions, ways to manage difficult conversations, and effectively respond to and address incidents, creates a workplace where everyone feels safe and supported.
Reduced Incidence of Racism
A clear understanding of what constitutes racism, beyond the obvious, is a powerful tool in reducing its occurrence. Antiracism train the trainer courses equip participants with the knowledge, skills and understanding to identify and challenge subtle forms of discrimination, creating a more tolerant and respectful workplace.
Increased Racial Literacy
Two of the biggest concerns people have in dealing with incidents of a racial nature are being accused of being racist and fear of ‘getting it wrong’. Confidence in addressing race-related issues is a key outcome of these courses. Trainers can ensure, that employees become adept at engaging in meaningful conversations about race and racism, contributing to improved racial literacy across the organisation.
Building Trustworthiness
Building trust is paramount, especially for underrepresented individuals who may have experienced tokenistic efforts in the past. Training staff as antiracism trainers signals a genuine commitment to the cause, building trust amongst all staff and, crucially, among ethnic minorities.
In conclusion, investing in an antiracism train-the-trainer course is not just a training initiative; it is a strategic decision that pays dividends in terms of organisational culture, talent acquisition, and overall workplace harmony.
Strawberry Words delivers a comprehensive Antiracism Train-the-Trainer programme to companies face to face UK-wide. You can read more details here.
[1] https://hiring.monster.com/resources/workforce-management/diversity-in-the-workplace/workforce-diversity-for-millennials
[2] https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/2-5-bme-workers-experience-racism-work-new-tuc-report
[3] https://assets.college.police.uk/s3fs-public/Police-Race-Action-Plan.pdf
