By now we all know that Diversity in organizations is an competitive advantage up to 35% and a key to success. But how to engage and retain diversity and how to react to Diversity related crisis? Here Diversity Training for all stakeholders including management comes into play.

Recently several articles have been published, which were questioning the effectiveness of Diversity Training. For example 2018 in connection with Starbucks efforts to train all its employees in the US. Specially employees who belonged to target groups of discrimination and racism did not feel they learned a lot and partly felt awkward during the trainings. Maybe because old time programs used to be quite Eurocentric in their perspective?

 Do you remember the times when for example personal fitness training and mindfulness became popular. How many personal trainers appeared on the scene and how difficult it was to find our who really suits your needs and who not? Until eventually quality criteria was created and trusted schools were established.

Luckily we already have experience and studies at hands, what works and what not in diversity training and how trainings need to be imbedded in an organization to benefit of its value. We have in large parts to thank the team of Bezrukova, Spell and Perry for that.

As much as we have to thank Geert Hofstede, who sadly passed away recently, for his groundbreaking work in the end 1960s/beginning 1970s, we have to remember that also his work did not go without criticism and that as we all learn more and times and perspectives change, we also have to change our methods, programs and approach. We need to constantly evaluate and update our work. In the past few years for example DiAnglelo, Eddo-Lodge, Eberhardt and Kendi have given us lots of new input.

We understand the urgency for Diversity Training and why it has been made easy to enter the market with a low threshold for expertise. Still, we believe it is time to raise the bar and to challenge us all to do better. So in order for our clients to be sure that they get the best and most sustainable value out of Diversity Training, we have spend the recent three years for research, studying, creating and updating our roadmaps, concepts and methods and will continue to do so. We also have created criteria for qualified Diversity Trainers:

Nordic Diversity Trainers, Criterion for Certification:

The trainer:

1.     Carries an academic degree related to cultural diversity, sociology, teaching and business

2.     Has undergone Nordic Diversity Trainers specific training according to the Nordic Diversity Trainers guidebook for Diversity Trainers

3.     Has been tested and approved by Nordic Diversity Trainers

4.     Renews this certificate per three years

5.     Uses the Nordic Diversity Trainers brand only when using Nordic Diversity Trainers concepts and methods

6.     Provides client feedback to Nordic Diversity Trainers

7.     Has at least 3 years work experience in business, municipality, government, or NGO

8.     Has volunteered related to cultural diversity

9.     Commits to Nordic Diversity Trainers vision, mission, values and ethics

10.  Has a deep understanding of Cultural Diversity and has an excellent record in Intercultural Communication

If you are interested to become a certificated Nordic Diversity and to join our network, please contact us at info@nordicdiversitytrainers.com.

We also provide a Seal of Approval to organizations who work with us and commit to our recommendations and continue updating themselves, so that diverse talent knows that you are providing a welcoming space. Meanwhile, check out our online courses: