This article was updated on June 21, 2026, to reflect the latest information.
TL;DR: Inclusion and belonging training helps managers and teams build the skills to retain diverse talent and create workplaces where people actually stay. According to PowerToFly's What Talent Wants 2026 report, 85% of professionals say inclusion and belonging are extremely or very important when evaluating employers. This guide covers certification programs, DIY resources, and the data behind why this investment matters.
"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be." Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady of the United States
Looking to build a more inclusive team? You've come to the right place.
Inclusion and belonging training matters for a straightforward reason: it's what your employees are asking for. According to PowerToFly's What Talent Wants 2026 report, 85% of professionals say inclusion and belonging are extremely or very important when choosing where to work. Company leadership is increasingly aware that inclusion is good for business. It's up to managers to build that sense of belonging at every level of the team.
Below you'll find what diversity and inclusion training is available, where the industry stands, and which certifications and courses will work best for your organization.
Diversity and inclusion certificate courses
Nothing builds credibility in the inclusion and belonging space faster than a certification from a reputable institution. These programs provide education from leading experts and help establish your team members as knowledgeable practitioners. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with professional certifications have 20-40% higher rates of employment than those without.
Certification programs vary by length, delivery method, and price. Here are some current options:
1. Stanford University: Leverage Diversity and Inclusion for Organizational Excellence
A self-paced, online course from one of the top universities in the world. Cost: $1,500.
2. Harvard University: EDIB Leadership Certificate
Offered by the School of Continuing Education at Harvard. Four total courses delivered through scheduled online and on-campus options. Average total cost: $12,400.
3. University of South Florida: DEI in the Workplace Certificate
An online, self-paced certification that takes 14 hours to complete and is affordably priced. Cost: $99.
4. University of Washington: DEI Certificate
The Foster School of Business offers this series of diversity and inclusion online courses. Requires a minimum of three scheduled online courses for certification. Cost: $975.
5. Aperian Global: Inclusive Behaviors Inventory Certification
Aperian's Inclusive Behaviors Inventory is a tool developed by DEIB experts and used and taught by the University of California at Berkeley. Delivered through scheduled online courses. Cost: $1,099.
Want to see the full data on what talent is looking for from employers in 2026? Download PowerToFly's What Talent Wants 2026 report for insights on inclusion, flexibility, upskilling, and the AI factor, straight from 245 diverse professionals.
DIY diversity and inclusion courses and resources
Not all inclusion training comes with an Ivy League price tag. For small and medium-sized organizations where budget is a real constraint, there are plenty of free resources available.
Start by narrowing your focus. Rather than taking on a major course load, identify the specific area where your team has the clearest need. An anonymous employee survey (like this from Culture Amp) can help surface the experiences, concerns, and dynamics that are hardest to see from a leadership perspective, and give you a sharper picture of where to start.
Consider these free resources:
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Resources for DEI
MIT offers a variety of resources for team leaders to build inclusion skills through engaging with colleagues and direct reports. Check out Decision Tree, a framework for meaningful local efforts.
7. SHRM: Inclusion & Diversity resources
SHRM is the gold standard HR association. Their inclusion hub has articles, toolkits, and self-assessment guides. Strong credibility signal for an HR audience.
8. Royal Society of Chemistry: Inclusion and Diversity Resources
A UK-based institute with 175 years of history, RSC offers ready-made inclusion resources specifically for STEM organizations.
9. National Association for Colleges and Employers: DEI Resources
NACE offers original research and journal articles covering meaningful approaches to engaging with diverse early-career talent, including higher education students with disabilities and trans students entering the workforce.
10. Nonprofit Learning Lab: DEI Resources
NLL offers anti-racism and equity workbooks you can work through with your team at your own pace.
To get the most out of DIY training, consider bringing in an inclusion facilitator. Having an expert on hand ensures that self-directed programs are conducted effectively and that difficult conversations are properly supported.
Give your team the training they're asking for
The data here is direct. According to PowerToFly's What Talent Wants 2026 report, 85% of professionals say inclusion and belonging are extremely or very important when evaluating employers. That number has held steady even as formal DEI programs have faced rollbacks across many organizations. What talent wants from the workplace hasn't changed. Their skepticism about whether employers will deliver has grown.
The report also found that flexible work, competitive pay, and job stability top the list of what talent wants from employers in 2026, but inclusion sits just beneath those pragmatic survival priorities. Professionals operating in a difficult job market lead with stability first. When that pressure eases, inclusion becomes the differentiator.
And the retention risk is real. Fewer than 10% of employed respondents in the 2026 survey say they're thriving and growing at their current company. Only 6% are focused on advancing within their current organization. Most are either actively looking to leave or staying because the market isn't giving them a better option yet.
Employers who maintain consistent, specific commitments to inclusion (mentorship programs, equitable promotion practices, psychological safety, visible career paths) are better positioned to hold onto talent that others will lose. Consistent action carries more weight than policy statements. Talent notices when employers go quiet on this.
Do you have the budget for big-name certifications? Great. If not, the DIY route is a real option. What matters most is that the commitment is genuine and the follow-through is visible.
Frequently asked questions about inclusion and belonging training
What is diversity and inclusion training?
Diversity and inclusion training helps employees and managers build the awareness, skills, and behaviors needed to create workplaces where people from different backgrounds feel respected, valued, and supported. It covers topics like unconscious bias, equitable hiring and promotion practices, psychological safety, and belonging.
Why does inclusion training matter for retention?
According to PowerToFly's What Talent Wants 2026 report, 85% of professionals say inclusion and belonging are extremely or very important when evaluating employers. Fewer than 10% of employed respondents say they're thriving and growing at their current company, a retention signal that employers who invest in genuine inclusion practices are better positioned to address.
What's the difference between diversity training and inclusion training?
Diversity refers to the representation of different identities and backgrounds within an organization. Inclusion refers to whether people with those backgrounds feel welcomed, heard, and able to contribute fully. Diversity training focuses on awareness and representation. Inclusion training focuses on the day-to-day behaviors, structures, and culture that determine whether diverse employees stay.
How much does diversity and inclusion certification cost?
It varies significantly. Programs range from $99 (University of South Florida's online certificate) to $12,400 (Harvard's EDIB Leadership Certificate). Several high-quality free resources are also available from MIT, NACE, and others. The right investment depends on your team's needs, budget, and goals.
Where can I find more data on what talent wants from employers on inclusion?
PowerToFly's What Talent Wants 2026 report covers inclusion and belonging alongside flexibility, upskilling, AI, and career growth, based on responses from 245 diverse professionals surveyed in early 2026.
40+ Ideas to Celebrate Women's History Month at Work
