Diversity and behavioural skills specialist highlights increased spend by organisations

The Leeds based change management and training consultancy, cda, has added another specialist to its team of experts by recruiting Fiona Yorke, who joins after seven years with the Royal Mail where she was UK Management Trainer.

ìMany organisations are investing increasing amounts in diversity training, partly in response to a growing level of legislation which is aimed at reducing negative workplace behaviour, but, more encouragingly, because they recognise that they can become a more efficient organisation as a result,î explains Fiona Yorke.

After joining the Royal Mailís distribution management team, she focused initially on behavioural training needs, seeking to increase team efficiencies by training individuals to understand both their own and their colleaguesí behaviour in dynamic team environments and, as a result, how to operate more effectively as a unit. She then specialised in diversity training, which helps individuals to learn how they should recognise the positive values of the diverse range of work colleagues they may work beside, while minimising any negative views or actions.

Tony Dunk, principal of cdadevelop, the training and development arm of cda, continues:

ìThe proper application of behavioural and diversity training can result in major savings for organisations. Once employee teams are trained to understand what is acceptable and what is unacceptable behaviour, the result will be ñ for example - reduced absenteeism, via eradication of harassment or even bullying. Stress levels are reduced and employees operate more efficiently and effectively in a positive working environment.

ìRecruiting Fiona adds to our existing team of experienced consultants who know how to apply innovative techniques that benefit individual employees and the organisation with which they work. Organisations spending significant sums on training must establish a clear return on their investment, and these training disciplines are ones that more and more business leaders are recognising as offering a clear ëpay backí for all involved.î