Workplace bias | 1 in 5 HR leaders not trained in D&I, stats show

Diversity and inclusion are essential elements in any HR strategy. However, whilst 61% of employees see D&I as the most important element of working culture, a new study from AssessFirst this week discovered that one in five HR leaders have inadequate training in the area.

The study discovered that this low level of D&I training among HR practitioners is having a significant impact on workplaces, with a lack of standardisation in the implementation of company policies. This is resulting, the data suggests, in the likes of disability and sexual orientation being overlooked in diversity goals.

This worryingly inadequate level of training is widespread within the function, despite the fact that that a third of survey respondents stated the pandemic accelerated the implementation of D&I policies in businesses across the nation.

David Bernard, founder and CEO of AssessFirst, called on the Government to create legislation around D&I, to ensure that the workplace is free from bias. “We must not be allowed to reverse the clock and fall back into old habits,” he said.