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Diversity and inclusion (D&I) is a top priority for both employers and HR, largely because of the business benefits it is supposed to bring. Keen to get these benefits – boosts to the bottom line, innovation and engagement are largely correlated with better diversity and inclusion practices – Craige Heaney, Global Learning and Development Director at Diageo, told HR Grapevine why the drinks giant – which has Haig Club, Ciroc and Smirnoff among other brands in its portfolio – is focussing on delivering better training in this area. As he explained: “…We have always invested in developing learning for both our colleagues and people managers that enables us to clarify our role in creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity. “[However], over the last year we have reviewed our training material and taken a much more innovative approach in addressing the impact bias can have on colleagues. We launched a series of campaigns and have identified a number of key lessons [below].” ‘Stories are critical’ Heaney said the firm realised that Diageo’s old D&I training content was too ‘academic’ and thus it has taken a story-first approach. From our magazine Mid-level Managers: Don’t Eliminate Them, Invest in Them! He explained: “It’s difficult for individuals to empathise with how bias may affect others if it’s a
