What: Inclusive-learning survey questions offer a practical tool for evaluating and improving the inclusiveness of employee training in multinational organizations

Why it is important:  The adoption of inclusive-learning survey tools reflects a broader industry shift toward structured frameworks and accountability in diversity and inclusion

The article explores the critical need for inclusiveness in employee training, particularly within large multinational organizations where diverse workforces are the norm. Grounded in critical socio-cultural theory, the research demonstrates that neglecting inclusiveness in training perpetuates inequality and undermines both individual and organizational potential. By piloting a set of distinctive learner survey questions in a global consumer goods company, the study reveals that such tools not only provide actionable insights into the inclusiveness of training programs but also nudge trainers and designers to address barriers related to gender, race, language, and disability. The findings highlight that while many participants felt included, significant gaps remain, especially for marginalized groups, and that traditional training often fails to address systemic inequities. The research advocates for the integration of inclusive-learning survey questions into standard evaluation practices, emphasizing the importance of ongoing refinement and adaptation to different cultural contexts. Ultimately, the study positions inclusive evaluation as a catalyst for organizational change, employee engagement, and sustainable development.

IADS Notes: Recent industry evidence, such as the LEADNetwork’s February 2025 report, confirms that inclusive workplaces in retail achieve notable gains in engagement, retention, and performance, but still face persistent gaps in leadership representation and unconscious bias (ERE Media, April 2025). Retailers like Selfridges have successfully piloted feedback tools and community engagement strategies to refine inclusiveness (Drapers, April 2025), while July 2025 research from Forbes demonstrates that tailored accessibility initiatives yield measurable improvements in employee well-being and business outcomes. The shift toward embedded inclusion strategies, supported by frameworks and leadership accountability (Seramount, June 2025), is transforming HR and L&D practices, with value alignment and EDI networks now central to employee engagement (The Retail Bulletin, May 2025).

Evaluating the inclusiveness of employee training programmes: a research-practice partnership