Understanding Bias bespoke workshop with Grow Up
Background
This company provides small urban farming that does not require the conventional usage of water. Recognizing that the company was rapidly expanding, they decided to start a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) training in their headquarters.
Workshop Style
In response to #metoo, the 17 members of head office participated in the Understanding Bias training program, which teaches topics such as research, intersectionality, privilege, and unconscious bias.
Participants could participate in interactive workshops that included a list of questions called 'Identity Inventory' and a chart of steps in socialization called 'Circle of Socialization.'
The workshops are designed to create a safe environment for employees and management to have candid conversations and be better equipped when making decisions to become more inclusive in the workforce whilst measuring the effectiveness, success, and accountability of D&I inside the company.
This workshop was offered in person at their London headquarters and included frank discussions, which led to high levels of engagement.
Employees are now involved in quarterly seminars that cover various topics, including unconscious bias, representation, inclusion, leadership skills, and diversity awareness.
Employees who have completed these workshops have received an opportunity to apply for 'Future Leader' status, including increased training opportunities with additional benefits.
In addition to training, Head Office has adopted an anonymous survey system in which employees can confidentially report issues and concerns that they may feel uncomfortable approaching management about.
These questions address many of their existing programs and focus on leadership development, inclusion and diversity awareness, bias training, and opportunities for feedback.
Outcome
Senior Consultant Jaz who delivered the workshop states that “as part of the training, we transitioned to conversations about including diverse points of view to decisions being made in the company and establishing understanding. The session was refreshing because it was in-person and located at Grow Ups HQ in London. This was due to senior management being concerned about people becoming wary of remote video. It has become very apparent ever since the pandemic. They talked openly about the challenges senior management wanted to overcome in the company, allowing employees in other departments to be encouraged and work more efficiently. This created a safe space that allowed an overdue conversation to be had among employees. We need to be extra aware of how important understanding and unity are with remote working. While it is easier than ever to work from anywhere with technology, that doesn't mean we can disregard how beneficial in-person interactions are.”