Discover 15 top-rated diversity and inclusion courses online

A well-trained workforce that embraces diverse perspectives and inclusive practices leads to improved employee engagement, enhanced innovation, and a stronger organisational culture.

Taking diversity and inclusion courses online is an excellent way to equip your team with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve these benefits.

To simplify your search, we have curated a list of the top DEI courses online, including both free and paid options and covering a spectrum of learning objectives, from polarisation handling to cross-cultural communication.

It's time to browse and pick the ones that align with your D&I objectives.

Let’s explore and take the first step towards a more inclusive and innovative workplace.

The importance of diversity and inclusion training across key sectors

Understanding the challenges and benefits of diversity and inclusion training across different sectors is key to implementing effective strategies. This section explores the unique needs and impacts of such training in healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, and retail. By highlighting sector-specific issues and how targeted training can address them, we guide organisational leaders in making informed decisions to foster a more inclusive and productive workplace.

Healthcare

Healthcare professionals often deal with diverse patient populations, requiring sensitivity to cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic differences. Cultural diversity and disability inclusion training help them improve communication, provide competent care, and reduce health disparities. This leads to better patient outcomes and a more inclusive work environment, where staff can handle various patient needs with empathy and understanding.

Transportation

In transportation, biases in customer service and hiring practices can impact equitable access to services. Diversity and inclusion training helps staff recognise and address these biases, ensuring fair treatment of all customers and promoting a more efficient, inclusive transportation system. Training also aids in improving cross-cultural communication among employees and customers, which is essential for a broad demographic sector.

Hospitality

The hospitality industry thrives on welcoming all guests, yet cultural misunderstandings can occur, particularly with foreign tourists. Training equips staff with the skills to handle diverse customer interactions smoothly, including understanding and respecting different cultural norms and languages. This enhances guest satisfaction, encourages repeat business, and fosters a positive, inclusive environment for everyone.

Education

Educational institutions face challenges in meeting the diverse needs of students and creating an inclusive learning atmosphere. D&I training helps educators appreciate and embrace student diversity, fostering a supportive and equitable educational experience. It also equips teachers with strategies to handle diverse classrooms effectively, promoting better student engagement and academic success. Ultimately, such initiatives can provide a competitive advantage by attracting a broader student demographic and improving learning outcomes.

Retail

Retail businesses must address customer service and hiring biases and ensure inclusive marketing. Training helps staff interact effectively with all customers, promoting inclusive practices that boost customer satisfaction and loyalty. It also improves interpersonal interactions between colleagues from diverse backgrounds, ultimately enhancing team collaboration and productivity.

15 top-rated diversity and inclusion online courses to consider taking in 2024

It’s time to explore our top picks for diversity and inclusion online training courses. Each course includes a detailed overview, key learning outcomes, and the intended audience to help you find the most suitable ones. Let’s explore our options one by one.

#1 Managing Conflict and Polarisation in the Workplace and Beyond by Jesus College on edX

Understanding and managing conflict and polarisation is crucial in today's interconnected world. This is one of the top free online courses on diversity and inclusion offered by Jesus College, University of Cambridge, and explores the triggers and impacts of polarisation across various aspects of life, including the modern workplace. Utilising business, behavioural science, and political expertise, the course aims to provide learners with the skills needed to bridge divides and foster collaboration. It runs for six weeks, with an expected commitment of 2–4 hours per week, and offers an optional upgrade for additional resources and certification.

Key learning outcomes

• Learn why polarisation occurs, creating ingroups and outgroups, and how it extends to different life areas.
• Gain insights into how technology influences polarisation, both positively and negatively.
• Develop the ability to evaluate complex situations and lead efforts to bridge divides.
• Identify your role in polarisation and learn to manage it effectively.
• Acquire strategies for resolving conflicts in the workplace, at home, and beyond.

Suitable for

This course is ideal for working professionals, community leaders, and anyone interested in understanding and mitigating the effects of polarisation. It caters to individuals seeking to enhance their conflict resolution skills and improve group dynamics in various settings.

#2 Personality Types at Work by University of Florida on Coursera

Knowing personality types and leveraging emotional intelligence are key components of effective teamwork. "Personality Types at Work," offered on Coursera, helps individuals better understand themselves, their teams, and their organisations. This beginner-level course spans three weeks and offers a flexible schedule of seven hours per week. It is free to audit and includes all materials except graded items.

Key learning outcomes

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of different personality types and their impact on workplace dynamics.
• Learn strategies to leverage emotional intelligence for personal and team success.
• Create actionable plans for personal development, team improvement, and organisational growth.
• Gain insights into crafting compelling cover letters and preparing for challenging interview questions.
• Master the skills needed to conduct effective 360-degree reviews and manage team dynamics.

Suitable for

This course is useful for job seekers who want to improve their application materials and interview performance, team members who want to highlight their strengths and confront their weaknesses, and managers who want to create effective action plans based on personality insights.

#3 Inclusive Leadership: Working With Equality and Diversity on Udemy

Effective leadership in today's diverse workplaces requires a deep understanding of equality and inclusion. This course, offered on Udemy and created by business psychologist Robin Hills, focuses on addressing unconscious bias with emotional intelligence. It includes 3 hours of on-demand video, some articles and downloadable resources and offers full lifetime access on mobile and TV. For approximately $6, participants can earn a certificate of completion and enhance their leadership skills.

Key learning outcomes

• Identify how equality, diversity, and inclusion lead to better organisational outcomes.
• Develop the six key traits of inclusive leaders.
• Understand and manage unconscious bias in the workplace.
• Improve communication across various cultures.
• Apply emotional intelligence to enhance leadership capabilities.

Suitable for

This course is ideal for anyone in a workplace environment who wants to understand their role in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. It is especially beneficial for leaders seeking to improve the cultural competency of their organisations, those responsible for managing teams to achieve better performance, and individuals interested in enhancing their inclusive leadership skills.

#4 Making the Case for Diversity and Inclusion via LinkedIn Learning

Many organisations have made significant strides in diversity and inclusion, but progress often feels slow and insufficient. This course, taught by Dereca Blackmon on LinkedIn Learning, addresses this challenge by teaching participants how to advocate for more resources, support, and integration of DEI into core business functions. This intermediate-level course lasts about an hour and is accessible with a LinkedIn Premium subscription. It focuses on creating a persuasive narrative to illustrate how diversity enhances recruitment, retention, and innovation.

Key learning outcomes

• Learn to translate diversity facts and figures into a compelling narrative for decision-makers.
• Understand how to advocate for increased DEI resources and support within your organisation.
• Develop strategies to integrate DEI into core business functions.
• Explore ways diversity can enhance recruitment, retention, and innovation.
• Gain skills to generate buy-in for DEI initiatives from leadership and stakeholders.

Suitable for

This course works for DEI professionals, HR managers, organisational leaders, and anyone seeking to advocate for more robust DEI resources and support within their organisations.

#5 Discrimination and Diversity in the Modern Workplace Course by the University of California, Berkeley on edX

This introductory DEI online course on edX helps professionals navigate complex group dynamics, communicate effectively in challenging situations, and make equity-consistent decisions. It is an 8-week, self-paced program requiring 5-8 hours per week and is free with an optional upgrade for certification. Developed by UC Berkeley professors, it adapts the latest research to address workplace policy and ethical and cultural challenges.

Key learning outcomes

• Identify and respond to biases in the workplace.
• Understand the perspectives of minoritised employees.
• Implement equitable hiring and evaluation practices.
• Chart a course from unbiased to anti-biased actions.
• Create a climate of equity and belonging.

Suitable for

This course is great for executives seeking to drive meaningful change and improve DEI strategies in their organisations.

#6 Best Practices in Planning DE&I Interventions by Rice University on Coursera

This actionable course, offered by Rice University via Coursera, provides a step-by-step approach to planning and executing effective diversity initiatives. It can be accessed for free with a paid certificate option and includes approximately 5 hours of on-demand content. The course helps organisations move from principle concepts to practical applications in DE&I efforts.

Key learning outcomes

• Understand the challenges of DE&I strategic planning and develop effective processes.
• Explore strategies for intentional and legally compliant DE&I recruitment.
• Examine and improve DE&I retention programs.
• Identify and overcome common struggles in implementing DE&I training.

Suitable for

This course is ideal for HR professionals, organisational leaders, and DE&I practitioners aiming to enhance their diversity initiatives. It can boost your recruitment, retention, and training processes.

#7 Digital Diversity and Cross-cultural Communication Course on Udemy

Effective cross-cultural communication is vital in today's globalised and digital work environment. This course, available on Udemy for around $6, equips professionals with the skills to build and manage diverse, high-performing digital teams. With 2 hours of on-demand video and lifetime access, this course provides actionable insights into enhancing team dynamics, communication, and productivity across different cultures.

Key learning outcomes

• Design dynamic, diverse digital teams and foster a collaborative corporate culture.
• Implement a communications matrix to target audiences effectively.
• Build resilient and productive teams across borders, time zones, and language barriers.
• Use communication tools to hit target markets with the right message.
• Run successful cultural diversity training sessions and lift performance.

Suitable for

This course is ideal for project managers, diversity and inclusion managers, HR professionals, global business leaders, and anyone working with remote or hybrid teams. It benefits those aiming to enhance cross-cultural communication, team engagement, and productivity in a global marketplace.

#8 Psychology of Diversity by Study.com

Diving into the psychology of diversity offers critical insights into human behaviour and societal dynamics. This engaging course delves into topics such as racism, discrimination, stereotypes, and cultural competence. Approximately 12 hours of on-demand content combines theories and research to comprehensively understand diversity. Flexible access allows learners to study anytime, anywhere, making it an ideal resource for those looking to deepen their knowledge and apply it practically.

Key learning outcomes

• Understand social identity and categorisation theories.
• Explore different types of diversity in psychology, including racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual diversity.
• Examine the psychological study of diversity, including modern research and theories.
• Analyse racism, discrimination, and biases.
• Learn about multiculturalism, cultural relativism, and cultural competence.

Suitable for

Students can enhance their understanding of diversity for exams and assignments. Educators will find it useful as a supplemental teaching tool. Professionals can improve job performance by expanding their knowledge of diversity in psychology.

#9 Supporting Diverse Innovation by FutureLearn

As businesses and governments seek technological solutions to global challenges, the importance of diversity and inclusion in fostering innovation has never been clearer. This online resource helps learners develop better products and services by amplifying diverse voices and cultivating inclusive cultures. It is an introductory-level course that spans three weeks, with four hours of study per week and is entirely online. Participants earn a digital certificate upon completion.

Key learning outcomes

• Understand what diverse innovation is and why it matters.
• Identify best practices for fostering diverse innovation.
• Explore the social and economic benefits of diverse innovation.
• Learn to create fair and inclusive work cultures.
• Develop strategies to support diverse innovation in your own context.

Suitable for

This course is particularly beneficial for recruitment, user research, implementation, and marketing professionals who want to integrate diverse innovation into their processes. It's also relevant for tech students, such as those studying computer science or design, looking to adopt inclusive practices in their future careers.

#10 Diversity and Inclusion for HR Professionals by the University of California, Irvine on Coursera

This course empowers HR professionals to craft effective Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) plans. It is free to audit and offers a paid certificate option. The course includes four comprehensive modules that cover the impact of DEIB on company culture, strategies for creating an inclusive environment, and methods to combat biases and enhance innovation.

Key learning outcomes

• Recognise the impact of DEIB on company culture.
• Understand how conscious and unconscious biases affect the workplace.
• Identify how thought diversity supports innovation and challenges conformity.
• Develop a comprehensive DEIB plan for your organisation.
• Explore why innovation is crucial for future success.

Suitable for

The course is intended for HR professionals seeking to improve their DEIB skills. It also benefits business leaders and managers focused on creating inclusive workplaces and driving innovation.

#10 Diversity and Inclusion for HR Professionals by the University of California, Irvine on Coursera

This course empowers HR professionals to craft effective Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) plans. It is free to audit and offers a paid certificate option. The course includes four comprehensive modules that cover the impact of DEIB on company culture, strategies for creating an inclusive environment, and methods to combat biases and enhance innovation.

Key learning outcomes

• Recognise the impact of DEIB on company culture.
• Understand how conscious and unconscious biases affect the workplace.
• Identify how thought diversity supports innovation and challenges conformity.
• Develop a comprehensive DEIB plan for your organisation.
• Explore why innovation is crucial for future success.

Suitable for

The course is intended for HR professionals seeking to improve their DEIB skills. It also benefits business leaders and managers focused on creating inclusive workplaces and driving innovation.

#11 Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Course

Understanding gender and sexuality is essential for fostering an inclusive workplace. This free online course, offered by the University of Pittsburgh on Coursera with a paid certificate option, spans three weeks and requires five hours per week. It introduces key concepts related to gender, sexuality, and LGBTQIA identities, exploring their implications in the workplace and broader society.

Key learning outcomes

• Understand the definitions and significance of sex, gender, and sexuality.
• Explore the evolution of gender and sexuality concepts over time.
• Analyse the impact of LGBTQIA identities on workplace dynamics.
• Examine the history and current issues of gender and sexual identity discrimination in the workplace.
• Learn about transgender identities and their implications for workplace inclusivity.

Suitable for

This course benefits HR professionals, managers, and anyone interested in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It is also valuable for individuals seeking to understand the evolving concepts of gender and sexuality and their impact on work culture and policies.

#12 Strategies to Improve and Incorporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Healthcare by Stanford Online

Enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare is essential for fostering a more inclusive and effective medical environment. Offered by Stanford Online, this course provides healthcare professionals with the tools to build and sustain recruitment practices that enhance DEI. Spanning four weeks, with 2-4 hours of self-paced study per week, this free course with an optional upgrade covers the importance of diverse teams, strategies to foster inclusivity, and the impact of microaggressions in healthcare settings.

Key learning outcomes

• Understand how biases impede DEI in healthcare and their consequences.
• Explore strategies to mitigate personal and systemic biases in recruitment.
• Learn the impact of microaggressions on patients, providers, and team members.
• Develop skills to repair relationships and address exclusion in the workplace.
• Analyse methods to drive meaningful change in the healthcare environment.
• Reflect on measuring the success of DEI initiatives.

Suitable for

This course is designed for healthcare professionals seeking to improve DEI within their teams and workplaces. It benefits those involved in recruitment, team management, and policy implementation.

#13 Diversity and Inclusion in the Built Environment by CIOB Academy

To create buildings and spaces that truly serve all communities, the construction sector must embrace diversity and inclusion. This course, offered by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Academy, explores the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the built environment. Over three weeks, with two hours of study per week, participants will learn about the benefits of diversity, the barriers to representation, and strategies to create an inclusive workplace. The course is free with an optional paid certificate.

Key learning outcomes

• Understand the definitions and importance of diversity and inclusion.
• Explore the benefits of diversity for business performance and ethical objectives.
• Analyse the current state of representation in the built environment sector.
• Identify barriers to diversity and strategies to overcome them.
• Develop practical approaches to promote diversity in the workplace.

Suitable for

This course is designed for professionals in the construction and built environment sector at all levels. It benefits those committed to addressing underrepresentation and fostering an inclusive workplace.

#14 Leadership for an Increasingly Diverse World by the University of Notre Dame

This course, offered by the University of Notre Dame, guides leaders in developing these crucial skills. With approximately 23 hours of content, it is available for free with an option to earn a paid certificate. The course helps participants understand DEIJ concepts and implement them effectively in their organisations.

Key learning outcomes

• Understand diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice in the workplace.
• Develop self-awareness about personal diversity and its influence on leadership.
• Learn to integrate diverse identities and become a more inclusive leader.
• Reflect on personal and professional experiences with DEIJ.
• Design and implement justice-seeking practices in your leadership role.

Suitable for

This course is designed for professionals in corporate and nonprofit sectors who want to enhance their leadership skills by promoting DEIJ within their organisations.

#15 Global Impact: Cross-Cultural Management by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

This course, offered by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, equips managers with the skills to lead teams from varied cultural backgrounds. It is beginner-level, spanning approximately 18 hours, and offers a flexible schedule to learn at your own pace. It covers the fundamentals of multicultural management, focusing on how culture influences communication, leadership, negotiation, and teamwork.

Key learning outcomes

• Understand how national cultures impact managerial activities such as communication, teamwork, negotiation, and leadership.
• Detect cultural differences and learn how to prevent and solve misunderstandings.
• Use "The Culture Map" to compare the cultures of different countries.
• Develop skills to diagnose cross-cultural issues and reach compromises.

Suitable for

This course benefits managers and professionals working in multicultural environments who must effectively navigate cultural differences. It is also ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their cross-cultural communication and management skills to lead diverse teams better.

Tips to successfully leverage these courses in your diversity and inclusion training programs

Now that we have reviewed the list of courses, it is time to integrate the ones that support your objectives successfully. Here are some tips to help you navigate common challenges and make the most of your D&I training.

#1 Start with free courses if budget is a concern

Challenge: Budget constraints can limit access to comprehensive training materials.

Tip: To build a solid foundation without financial strain, begin with free online courses in diversity and inclusion. These courses provide valuable insights and allow you to evaluate their effectiveness before investing in paid options.

#2 Pilot the courses with a small group

Challenge: Varying employee readiness levels can make it difficult to ensure that the training is effective and well-received by everyone.

Tip: Test the selected courses with a small group of employees first. This pilot phase helps gather feedback, assess relevance, and make necessary adjustments, ensuring the training is well-received and impactful.

#3 Combine online courses with interactive sessions

Challenge: Online courses alone may not fully engage employees or address all learning styles.

Tip: Enhance the training experience by combining online courses with interactive workshops, webinars, and discussion groups. This mixed approach fosters deeper understanding, practical application, and employee collaboration.

Beyond the generic material: The need for customised courses and how Lingio can help

While the DEI online courses we've highlighted offer excellent foundational knowledge, every organisation has unique D&I challenges and needs. Customised training material is crucial for addressing these specific issues effectively. However, creating tailored courses can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. This is where Lingio can make a significant difference by offering:

An AI-powered course creator

Our AI course creator lets you quickly generate customised training programs from your raw notes and materials. It leverages cutting-edge generative AI to create engaging and interactive courses in seconds, saving you valuable time and ensuring your training content is precisely tailored to your organisation's needs.

Gamified learning app

Lingio's mobile-based learning app uses gamification to make training more engaging and effective. Employees can access courses anytime, anywhere, seamlessly fitting into their daily workflow, enhancing completion rates and knowledge retention.

Powerful coaching portal

Our comprehensive admin dashboard provides a detailed overview of your training programs. It allows you to track progress, celebrate achievements, and identify areas for improvement. This ensures that your D&I initiatives are continuously optimised and impactful.

Success story: How Lingio helped Scandic hotels integrate diverse employees into their workforce?

Scandic Hotels, with 280 locations across six countries in the Nordic region, faced the challenge of fostering effective communication among a diverse workforce. They turned to Lingio's skills-learning platform, which used AI to generate courses in professional Swedish tailored to the hotel industry.

Key outcomes:

• Enhanced communication: Employees from diverse backgrounds improved their language skills, facilitating better teamwork and customer service.
• Empowered employees: Staff members felt more confident and engaged, improving job performance.
• Efficient onboarding: New hires could quickly learn industry-specific language and skills, streamlining the onboarding process.

Lingio's innovative approach has made a significant impact on Scandic Hotels. As Pia Nilsson Hornay, HR Manager at Scandic Hotels, reflects on the experience:

"Lingio creates great value for our employees and our business. It is also fun and easy to work with.”

Wrapping up: Start with our list and advance with custom courses from Lingio

Investing in diversity and inclusion training is crucial to fostering a more equitable and innovative workplace.

Begin by exploring the courses we've curated for you to build some solid foundational knowledge.

These top-rated diversity equity and inclusion courses online offer a variety of learning objectives and approaches, making it easier to find the ones that align with your organisation's needs.

As you progress, consider the limitations of generic training materials and the benefits of customised courses. Lingio’s AI-powered course creator is a powerful tool for developing tailored training programs quickly and effectively.

Request a demo of Lingio today to learn more about how it can supercharge your DEI training programs and help your organisation achieve its diversity and inclusion goals.

FAQs

1. What are the benefits of using AI in travel and hospitality marketing?

Using AI in travel and hospitality marketing offers significant benefits, including personalised guest experiences through data analysis, enabling highly relevant marketing campaigns that increase engagement and conversion rates. AI automates routine tasks, freeing marketing teams to focus on strategic planning. It also facilitates dynamic pricing, optimising revenue by adjusting rates based on real-time demand. Enhanced customer insights from AI-driven analytics support data-driven decisions, refining marketing strategies.

2. How can AI be used to improve restaurant dining experience?

AI can significantly enhance restaurant dining experience by personalising customer interactions, optimising operations, and improving service efficiency. For example, AI-driven reservation systems can manage bookings and reduce wait times by predicting peak hours. In the dining area, AI can suggest menu items based on customer preferences and dietary restrictions, enhancing personalised service. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots can handle customer inquiries and order modifications in real-time. AI can even streamline inventory management in the kitchen by predicting stock needs and reducing food waste.

3. What are some disadvantages of AI in hospitality industry?

While AI offers numerous benefits to the hospitality industry, it also presents some noteworthy challenges. Initial implementation costs can be high, requiring significant investment in technology and training. There's a risk of reduced human interaction, potentially impacting the personalised touch that guests value. Data privacy concerns arise as AI systems collect and analyse vast amounts of personal information. Additionally, the reliance on AI may lead to job displacement for certain roles. Lastly, AI systems can sometimes fail or malfunction, requiring human intervention and potentially disrupting operations.

4. How is the role of AI in hospitality industry expected to evolve in the coming years?

The future of AI in hospitality will likely see even more advanced personalisation of guest experiences, with AI-driven systems predicting and catering to individual preferences with greater accuracy. AI will enhance operational efficiency through improved automation of routine tasks and better predictive maintenance of hotel facilities. Additionally, integrating AI with IoT devices and augmented reality will provide real-time data and immersive guest experiences. As AI technology advances, it will also play a crucial role in developing sustainable practices and optimising resource management in the hospitality sector.

5. Will AI use in the hospitality industry lead to loss of jobs?

The use of AI in the hospitality industry may lead to some job displacement, particularly for routine tasks like check-ins and basic customer inquiries handled by robotic concierges and AI-powered chatbots. However, AI also creates opportunities by automating mundane tasks, allowing staff to focus on more complex, personalised guest services. Additionally, new roles in AI system management, data analysis, and technology support will emerge. Overall, while AI may reduce some traditional roles, it can enhance service quality and create new job opportunities, emphasising the need for employees to adapt to these technological changes.