Workplace Sensitivity Training

Have you heard of companies that are implementing corporate sensitivity training? Have you ever wondered if your company is falling behind the times because you don't have one? Many CEOs are tempted to dismiss the concept as "PC culture," but don't be so quick to jump to conclusions.

Workplace sensitivity training is all about creating a culture of respect, integrity, and accountability for everyone in your organization. If you already have a diversity program, this type of training complements the concepts you already strive for. Let's go over some of the advantages of sensitivity training for your company.

What Exactly Is Sensitivity Training?

Corporate sensitivity training aims to help employees recognize and respond to attitudes and behaviors that may unintentionally offend others (especially those of backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures different from their own). Most people associate sensitivity training with specific seminars in which a speaker instructs a group on how to avoid sexual harassment. However, this type of training accomplishes far more. It goes over:

How Will Workplace Sensitivity Training Benefit Your Company?

If you're on the fence about implementing sensitivity training, consider the following advantages.

1. Increased employee retention: When there is a negative interaction or conflict in the workplace, one or both employees may leave. You increase employee retention by lowering the likelihood of this happening.

2. Improved employee potential: Creating a more positive work environment improves both employee morale and performance.

3. Encouraged diversity: Sensitivity training encouraged greater diversity by making everyone feel at ease, which can also boost innovation at your company.

4. Reduced complaints and grievances: HR will not have to deal with as many employee conflicts.

5. Increased productivity: No more worrying about disrespectful behavior!

How to Improve Corporate Sensitivity Training Implementation?

Poor sensitivity training delivery can have a negative impact on your company. Here are a few strategies for ensuring that your sensitivity training is well-received by both employees and managers.

1. Establish clear expectations for everyone's behavior during diversity training. Some people will have had these types of conversations before, while others will not. Set expectations about what types of behaviors will and will not be tolerated at the start of the sensitivity training to level the playing field.

2. Everyone in the company, regardless of their position, should be held accountable for their actions. When it comes to behavior, "high-performing individuals" are frequently given a pass. If you want diversity, inclusion, and sensitivity to be taken seriously, make sure that a high performer is held to the same standards as a newcomer.

3. Engage those at the top and ask them to set a good example. Everyone must undergo sensitivity training. Everyone in your company, including senior executives, should participate in your diversity program.

4. Examine your actions and encourage others to follow suit. Everyone has unconsciously held biases. Self-reflection is an essential component of self-awareness. Discuss how you can use self-reflection as a daily tool to become more sensitive to your coworkers during sensitivity training.

Last Thoughts

Remember that workplace sensitivity training is not a tool that should be used in retrospect. It is a tool that should be used to guide the ongoing effort to improve your workplace environment. You can help meet your employees' needs by incorporating it into your routine diversity training in the workplace.