24
Nov

Harassment and DEI Training: Why You Can’t Afford Not To

Most executives understand that anti-harassment and discrimination policies are necessary for compliance in their company, but very few small and mid-size organizations ensure the training takes place. A well-thought-out training program, combined with good communication from leadership is vital for building a desirable and positive company culture. People stay in positions where they are respected, included, and free from shrouded or overt harassment and discrimination.

But training is expensive…and takes too much time…

Yes, training can be a big pain for the small to mid-size business owner. As you consider the costs of employee training, make sure you also consider the cost of not doing it. The off-chance of a lawsuit—legal fees (which can be huge) are one thing—but leaders must also consider the cost of employee turnover, recruiting in a tough labor market, and poor morale. When employees feel they are not being treated with respect, do not believe they belong, and are in an environment where inappropriate behavior is without consequence, they:

• leave
• tell people (sometimes lots of people – inside and outside the company)
• or sue

Observers start to see and know the company for negative reasons making the time and cost to re-brand a bad reputation shoot up like Shatner space-bound.

You can’t afford to not create a positive company culture and it starts with leadership and training. 

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