Sensitivity Training

Online training to raise awareness of diversity, equity, inclusion and sensitivity

Sensitivity Training

Sensitivity training focuses on making employees aware of their attitudes and behavior toward others. This includes people who are different in race, color, gender, religion, age, ability, sexual orientation, ethnicity and other categories protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Sensitivity training also teaches employees how to be respectful of people with different experiences, backgrounds and communication styles.

In today’s multicultural and multigenerational workplace, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training is increasingly important. Whether employees are working from home or in the workplace, the ability to show empathy for how others may be experiencing the world is an important step in creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace culture. As HR and Diversity & Inclusion professionals know all too well, the idea of treating everyone with respect and fairness may sound simple, but often individuals fall back on stereotypes and unconscious bias when making workplace decisions, such as who to hire or promote or invite to join a group. If not identified and managed, these behaviors can undermine D&I efforts and lead to claims of discrimination and harassment.

As part of a long-term strategy, sensitivity training can increase employees’ understanding of their role in creating a more equitable workplace for everyone.

Online Sensitivity Training

Sensitivity training is woven throughout Traliant’s Building a Culture of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Training, which includes these important courses:

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Work
This foundational course explains core concepts related to diversity, equity, inclusion and sensitivity, providing practical steps to help employees choose inclusive actions, improve cultural competency and address unconscious bias. The course further emphasizes the role of workplace sensitivity and civility in promoting a respectful culture.

Unconscious Bias
This course focuses on understanding, recognizing and managing unconscious bias in the workplace, and the relationship between unconscious bias, D&I and discrimination.

Microaggressions in the Workplace
This course explains what microaggressions are and the effect they can have on others, providing guidance for how to respond to microaggressions in a positive and effective manner.

Cultural Competency
This course creates greater appreciation and empathy for the experiences and cultures of coworkers, customers and others employees engage with, inside and outside the workplace.

Religion, Spirituality & Beliefs
This training course for employees and managers covers the laws protecting an individual’s right to practice faith at work, provides practical tips for accommodating spiritual expression and explains benefits of being inclusive.

All of Traliant’s courses can be translated into 100+ languages and are mobile-optimized for any device or platform.

Sensitivity training is also part of Traliant’s award-winning Harassment Prevention training, which features interactive episodes on sexual harassment, discrimination, bystander intervention and diversity and inclusion. This course is available in separate versions for employees and managers, and in industry- and state-specific versions.

The Traliant Difference
We bring together an experienced team of subject matter experts, eLearning specialists, instructional designers and video producers to create interactive learning experiences that raise awareness, drive positive behavior and help foster a respectful, inclusive workplace. Our workplace diversity, inclusion & sensitivity training can be customized with your brand, policies and leadership message to reflect your values and culture. Learn more about diversity & sensitivity training.

What steps should be taken to implement sensitivity training in the workplace?

Introducing sensitivity training in the workplace is essential for fostering an inclusive and respectful environment. Here’s are steps you can take to implementing sensitivity training effectively.

1. Emphasize Clear Communication
Effective communication is crucial. Create an open environment where employees feel safe expressing their thoughts and concerns. This can be achieved by:

Encouraging honest dialogue and active listening.
Making sure everyone knows their input is valued and taken seriously.
Facilitating discussions that allow participants to share feelings and understand diverse perspectives.

2. Promote Self-Awareness and Reflection
Sensitivity training should encourage employees to examine their behaviors and attitudes. Foster self-reflection by:

Presenting real-life scenarios that prompt employees to think about their reactions.
Encouraging them to consider how their actions and words may affect others.
Helping them develop empathy through understanding different viewpoints.

3. Set and Communicate Clear Expectations
Clarity is key to effective sensitivity training. Make sure to:

Outline acceptable and unacceptable behaviors.
Define the goals and objectives of the training sessions.
Offer positive examples of the desired behavior to engage participants more effectively.

4. Ensure Ongoing Education
Sensitivity training shouldn’t be a one-time event. Promote continuous learning by:

Scheduling regular training sessions and follow-ups to maintain momentum.
Using diverse materials like posters, emails, and newsletters to reinforce key messages.
Monitoring progress and providing feedback to encourage improvement and accountability.

5. Create a Supportive Environment
Lastly, it’s vital to cultivate an atmosphere where diversity and inclusion are celebrated. This can be achieved through:

Regularly revisiting and updating training materials to reflect current issues and best practices.
Providing resources like counseling and support groups to help employees navigate sensitive topics.
Encouraging leaders to model inclusive behavior, setting a standard for the rest of the team.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that sensitivity training not only raises awareness but also fosters a more inclusive workplace culture.

How can sensitivity training be successfully implemented in the workplace?

Implementing Sensitivity Training Successfully in the Workplace

To integrate sensitivity training effectively in the workplace, it’s essential to address various facets of human diversity, including not just physical differences, but also elements like sexual orientation, political ideology, and personality types.

1. Prioritize Open Communication

Creating a safe space for employees to voice their concerns and experiences is crucial. Encourage them to express their thoughts candidly in a supportive environment where they know their opinions will be taken seriously. As issues surface, they will evoke a range of emotions among participants, which should be openly discussed to foster understanding.

2. Promote Self-Reflection

Encouraging self-awareness helps employees examine their own feelings, actions, and biases. During training sessions, present scenarios that prompt participants to reflect on how they would react in similar situations. This practice cultivates empathy and broadens their understanding of diverse perspectives within the team.

3. Set Clear Guidelines and Expectations

While it’s important for employees to feel free to express themselves, setting clear behavioral expectations is essential. Clearly communicate which behaviors are unacceptable and outline the goals of the sensitivity training. Provide positive examples of behaviors that align with your company’s values to motivate active participation and compliance.

4. Ensure Continuous and Consistent Learning

Sensitivity training should not be a one-time event but an ongoing process. Arrange regular training sessions to reinforce principles and foster continued development. Consistency helps track progress and encourages sustained improvement in inter-employee interactions.

Additionally, extend the learning beyond formal training sessions. Use various mediums such as posters, emails, and newsletters to regularly promote messages of diversity, inclusion, and sensitivity throughout the workplace.

Effective sensitivity training requires more than just a classroom experience. By fostering open communication, encouraging self-reflection, setting clear guidelines, and ensuring continuous learning, you can cultivate a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.

What are the benefits of using real-life scenarios in sensitivity training?

Real-life scenarios in sensitivity training offer a multitude of benefits that make the learning experience more impactful and enduring. Here’s why:

Enhanced Engagement
When employees encounter realistic situations that mirror their everyday experiences, they are more likely to engage actively. Unlike theoretical concepts, real-life scenarios captivate attention, as participants can easily relate to the content.
Improved Retention
Learning through relatable examples helps solidify knowledge. Employees are more likely to remember how to handle a situation they’ve walked through in a training exercise compared to abstract principles discussed in a lecture.
Practical Application
Scenarios provide practical insights into applying diversity and inclusion policies. By navigating through actual challenges, employees gain a better understanding of how to implement these principles effectively within the workplace.
Personal Connection
Real-life scenarios foster a personal connection to the material. Employees can see the direct consequences of actions and decisions, making the importance of sensitivity and inclusion tangible rather than hypothetical.
Building Empathy
Interacting with real-life stories cultivates empathy. When employees understand the personal impacts of insensitivity and discrimination, they are more motivated to foster a compassionate and inclusive workplace.

Incorporating realistic situations into sensitivity training isn’t just a theoretical enhancement; it translates to real-world effectiveness.

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