Raising awareness of the benefits of diversity at ING : Workshop combines role‐plays with company information and lawyer input

Purpose – Explains how ING, the global financial‐services group, called in drama‐based training specialist Steps Drama to help it to raise awareness of the business benefits of diversity – and the possible legal implications of non‐inclusive behaviour – for all 1,000 staff in its UK wholesale‐banking operation. Design/methodology/approach – Presents information on the training garnered from an interview with the human‐resource manager at ING UK. Findings – Demonstrates that Steps designed a three‐hour workshop combining professional role‐plays with ING company information and employment law input. The result was an entertaining and memorable experience, which provided a foundation in diversity. Practical implications – Demonstrates that while for many organizations, diversity is simply a means of complying with employment law and anti‐discriminatory practices, ING Group believes that diversity management and an inclusive culture can contribute to long‐term profitability as well. Originality/value – Highlights the benefits of combining role‐plays with company information and lawyer input, to get employees of all grades interested in, and discussing, diversity issues.