DEI training doesn't have to break the bank.

As the talent war continues, many employers are weighing the need for increased diversity, equity and inclusion training for employees, especially when it comes to avoiding discrimination and harassment lawsuits.

Companies use DEI training to avoid litigation, reveal unconscious bias and create a harmonious, more diverse workplace. According to a June survey of 3,000 employers by SHRM, 65% of employers thought DEI professional career development benefits were more important now, compared to 37% in 2020/2021.

But with many companies fearing a recession, some are tightening their belts.

While employers in the United States made DEI commitments since the pandemic, a recent 2022 Workplace DEI Report by Culture Amp, a platform that helps companies improve employee engagement, found that while 81% reported that they believe DEI initiatives are beneficial to their organizations, only 34% of respondents reported having enough resources to support their DEI initiatives.

But DEI training need not be expensive or formal. In many cases, smaller companies can create their own instructions in their employee handbooks or group sessions.

In a recent Forbes survey, business leaders offered 5 tips.

1. Align new initiatives with core values. DEI is not just a policy or practice; it must be deeply embedded in the ethos of the organization. Integrate and align DEI to the mission, culture and overall strategy. The first...