Training Industry Magazine - Summer 2024 - 40

Measuring the Impact of
Inclusive Training Materials
To truly understand the impact of
inclusive language on training materials,
it's essential to measure and assess the
outcomes. Here's how you can do it:
Learner Satisfaction Surveys
Collect feedback from learners
through satisfaction surveys that
specifically inquire about the inclusivity
of the training materials. Analyze the
responses and look for patterns to
identify areas of improvement.
Employee Retention and
Morale
Track employee retention
rates and
morale to see if there is a correlation
between the use of inclusive language
and these metrics. Positive changes may
indicate the positive impact of inclusive
language on the workplace.
Compliance With Legal and
Ethical Standards
Ensure
that
your
training
materials
comply with legal and ethical standards
related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
This is not just about avoiding legal
issues but also about aligning with best
practices and societal expectations.
Organizational Impact
Implementing inclusive language in
training materials carries a host of
positive impacts on the organization:
Increases Learner Engagement
Inclusive language creates a more
welcoming and relatable learning
environment. Learners feel valued and
seen, leading to increased engagement
and motivation to participate actively in
training programs.
The use of inclusive language in
training materials is not merely a
trend; it is a fundamental shift toward
a more equitable and inclusive society.
By understanding and embracing
inclusive language, organizations
can create training materials that
resonate with diverse learners, leading
to increased engagement, improved
learning outcomes and enhanced
cultural competence. Learning and
development has the opportunity to be
Improves Learning Outcomes
When learners can relate to and
understand the training materials, they
are more likely to retain the information
and apply it effectively. This leads to
improved learning outcomes and a
more skilled workforce.
Enhances Cultural
Competence
Incorporating inclusive language
in training materials fosters cultural
competence among learners. They gain a
deeper understanding and appreciation
of diverse backgrounds, leading to more
inclusive and collaborative workplaces.
Boosts Employee Morale and
Retention
Employees who feel
respected and
included are more likely to stay with
an organization and contribute to its
success. Inclusive language enhances
employee morale,
leading
retention rates.
Compliance With Legal and
Ethical Standards
Implementing inclusive language helps
organizations meet legal and ethical
standards regarding diversity and
inclusion, reducing the risk of legal
issues and ensuring they are viewed as
ethical and responsible entities.
to
higher
Using Inclusive Language
One of the key elements of
inclusive language is gender
neutrality. How do we stay
gender neutral and inclusive in
our language? Refer to these
examples from " The Art of Public
Speaking, " by Stephen E. Lucas.
One way to do this is to avoid
the use of the generic, " he "
when referring to
people
in
specific roles:
* Ineffective: " Each time
a surgeon walks into the
operating room, he risks
being sued for malpractice. "
* More Effective: " Whenever
surgeons walk into the
operating room, they risk
being sued for malpractice. "
Another way to do this is to avoid
the use of " man " when referring
to more than one gender:
* Ineffective: " If an asteroid
struck Earth, it could destroy
all of mankind. "
* More Effective: " If an asteroid
struck Earth, it could destroy
all human life. "
at the forefront of this transformative
change, making education and
professional development accessible
and welcoming to all. It's time to make
the shift toward inclusive language and
empower learners from all walks of life
to reach their full potential.
Courtney Sinnott, MBA, SHRM-CP,
CPTM, ACUE, is a director of training as
well as an adjunct professor, teaching
interpersonal communication and public
speaking. Email Courtney.
What's considered " inclusive " differs from
person to person and evolves over time.
40
https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-sinnott-mba-shrmcp-acue-cptm/
Training Industry Magazine - Summer 2024

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