California's DEI Training Mandate: What Employers Must Know in 2025

As California continues to lead the nation in workplace legislation, 2025 marks a significant milestone with the formal rollout of new requirements surrounding DEI training. Employers across the state must now take concrete steps to ensure their teams are equipped with the tools to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of the organization.

The new DEI training California mandate requires businesses of a certain size to provide structured, recurring training to employees and supervisors. The goal: to foster safer, more inclusive workplaces and to reduce bias, discrimination, and inequity in hiring, promotion, and daily interactions.

At SHIFT HR Compliance Training, we specialize in helping organizations not only meet compliance requirements but also create lasting culture change. Our online DEI programs are designed to be engaging, impactful, and fully aligned with California’s evolving legal landscape.

What Employers Need to Know:

• Who is Affected: Most companies with 15 or more employees are now required to implement regular DEI training sessions. This includes full-time, part-time, and temporary staff.

• Training Requirements: DEI training must cover core concepts such as unconscious bias, inclusive communication, cultural competency, and workplace equity. Programs should be updated annually and documented for compliance audits.

• Delivery Format: Online and in-person formats are accepted, but training must be interactive and accessible to all employees, including those with disabilities.

• Consequences of Non-Compliance: Businesses that fail to implement the mandated training risk penalties, legal claims, and reputational damage.

Final Thoughts

Complying with DEI training California requirements is not just a legal obligation—it’s a business imperative. By partnering with SHIFT HR Compliance Training, your organization can stay ahead of the curve, reduce risk, and demonstrate a clear commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.