Embracing diversity isn’t just an ethical imperative; it’s also a strategic business asset. A diverse team brings a wide range of perspectives and skills that can inspire innovation and practical problem solving. However, cultural insensitivity can stifle team engagement and prevent employees from making effective contributions. That’s why it’s important to provide trainings that empower managers to build inclusive workplaces.

While there is no single definition of cultural competency, it is generally accepted to encapsulate an other-orientated stance and concrete professional skills. It also includes a commitment to continual learning and self-reflection.

Training programs can help health care workers develop a deep understanding of different cultures and their values. These trainings can also help reduce discrimination and increase the safety and quality of care. The impact of training goes beyond individual providers, as organizations that prioritize DEI can attract a wider talent pool and strengthen partnerships with suppliers who value inclusivity.

As a result, cultural competency trainings can foster a more diverse and inclusive work environment that can benefit everyone from clients to the community at large. For instance, training can teach individuals about cultural sensitivity and humility, and show how these traits can be applied to day-to-day work.

It can also help people become more aware of the language and terminology they use, promoting inclusivity in communication. For example, by choosing to use terms like “partner” or'spouse’ instead of 'husband' or 'wife,' individuals can promote inclusivity when discussing intimate aspects of life. Training can also raise awareness about the power of words and how they can be used to hurt or encourage marginalization.

Many cultural competence trainings include exercises and discussions that encourage individuals to explore their own beliefs, attitudes, and biases, which can help them to better understand the views of others. This can lead to increased empathy and better client relationships. In addition, it can give participants insights into the societal barriers that marginalized groups face, such as racism and sexism.

Lastly, it can help individuals develop the ability to interact with clients from various cultures by teaching them communication and active listening skills. This is crucial to building trusting relationships and ensuring that the client is understood. It also allows providers to respond to clients’ concerns and needs effectively.

In the 35 curricula that included knowledge outcomes, sociocultural/historical information and identity, client interactions, and theory were the most commonly assessed topics. Moreover, the majority of curricula were delivered in a live, expert-led format (91.9%).

While progress has been made in reducing disparities in the U.S., significant differences still exist between the health status of white Americans and minority populations. This gap is largely due to inequalities in health care access, treatment, and outcomes. Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to increase cultural competency across the health care system. However, a gap remains between the number of cultural competency trainings available and the number of health care professionals who are trained in them.