2024

Best Sensitivity Training Programs in 2024

Looking for the best sensitivity training programs? Keep on reading then.

Sensitivity training teaches employees how to interact with and accommodate individuals who differ from themselves, including those of other races, ethnicities, religions, genders, or sexual orientations. The goal of sensitivity training is to help others become more aware, tolerant, accepting, appreciative of diversity, and overcome biases.

Sensitivity and workplace diversity training can be a very effective tool for organizations in need of diversity education. Corporations often use such training as part of the onboarding process for new hires to teach co-workers about company culture and expectations. It also helps with an employee’s ability to work with others that are not like themselves. Some companies provide sensitivity training regularly, while others require it only periodically.

Benefits of Sensitivity Training

Workplace sensitivity training course can be done through many mediums, such as workshops or video lessons. There are three primary ways to train.

  • On-site training: It’s a classroom format training where the trainer and participant have direct interaction. On-site training can be delivered in various formats, such as lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on activities.
  • Online Training: Online sensitivity training is popular these days, especially after the recent Corona outbreak. Training can be instructor-led or self-paced and adjust to unlimited participants.
  • Hybrid Training: A hybrid training course means that some of the training is done face-to-face with an instructor, and participants can complete the remaining course on their own. This method is useful for improving interaction among participants and achieving optimal results as well.

Advanced Sensitivity Training Programs 2024

The following are some 5 of the best diversity and inclusion training programs available to help create a diverse workforce.

1. HR Diversity and Inclusion Certification Program by HR University

Diversity and Inclusion Certification Course

Duration: Online Self-Paced

Cost: $199

HR university offers a self-paced based diversity, inclusion, and sensitivity training program with advanced and authentic knowledge taught by HR diversity and inclusion experts.

This program entails learning outcomes that start from the basic level and slowly rise to the advanced level as the training program is built in a way that is suitable both for beginners as well as experts so they can upskill their knowledge.

Moreover, this program is a perfect choice for employers, managers, business executives, and owners,  who are looking for ways to develop a healthy and fair work environment.

This program teaches in-depth the below-mentioned topics:

  • Types of diversity
  • Types of biasing
  • Consequences of biasing
  • Micro behaviors
  • Unconscious biasing
  • Employee discrimination
  • Bullying
  • Microaggression management
  • Bias Management development

Benefits and Perks: The training program comes with multiple informative quizzes, tutorials, case studies, and interviews with HR professionals who explain their learning and working experiences. Moreover, the training program includes capstone projects that you can include in your portfolio to showcase your sensitivity skills.

Enroll in our top-rated diversity and inclusion training program right now to avail all these benefits:

Diversity and inclusion certification

2. Diversity and inclusion in the workplace by ESSEC

Essec Sensitivity Training

Duration: 9 hours

Cost: Free

This course is available at Coursera by ESSES Business School. It provides learners with practical knowledge and application of diversity-related concepts. These are important to implement at work and strategies on how to produce an inclusive environment.

This course is perfect for those who want access to the finest training programs offered on diversity and workplace sensitivity training.

This course is among the highest-rated on the website with various aspects that make it a star, among others, including: 

  • Flexible scheduling
  • Availability in multiple languages
  • Completely online
  • You can enroll for free and then pay to get your shareable certificate

It is composed of a series of videos split into four weeks, which provides ample time for completion. The practical assessment includes crossword exercises and quizzes. There is sufficient flexibility in scheduling as well, so you can work around your busy lifestyle.

  1. Week 1: This week covers the key concepts and their application to different categories. You will also understand how historical development has shaped diversity in organizations and why it is important for firms today.
  2. Week 2: In this module, you’ll learn how to understand and react to other people’s reactions beyond your perspectives.
  3. Week 3: This module aims to expand your perspective of cultural sensitivity by investigating diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
  4. Week 4: You’ll learn about the diversity and inclusion initiatives in your company. You’ll also develop HR skills for designing sensitivity programs.

Pros: This course is made for active learning. Assignments, quizzes, and assessments at the end will keep you engaged in the learning process.

Cons: The course is a little time-consuming, with about 9 hours of video content to watch over a few weeks.

If you are interested to learn further about this diversity and inclusion certificate, please visit here.

3. Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace by Skill Path

Skillpath Sensitivity Training

Duration: 3 hours

Cost: $199

In the course, you learn about different definitions of diversity or inclusion and how they might apply to your company. You will also learn about benefits such as creative thinking and increased efficiency.

The course explores diversity and inclusion on three levels: 

  • Responding to diverse people at work.
  • Handling responses from coworkers.
  • Organizational commitment to diversity.

The course is split into four diversity training sessions; each explores a different dimension of diversity.

  1. Session one focuses on the fundamentals of diversity training courseYou will learn the Value of Diversity. A multitude of definitions of diversity as a complementary or mutually exclusive term. The idea of a relationship between inclusion and employee satisfaction and the importance of cultural diversity.
  2. Session two introduces power differentials, and how those differences affect individuals’ work styles and expand diversity.
  3. Session three covers intuitive reactions, and how a multitude of factors shapes snap responses. It explores circumstances to address such setbacks. The identification and impact of bias and how to deal with it. As well as respecting cultural differences around the world.
  4. Session Four is more focused on learning the importance of listening and identifying personal filters. Solving communication challenges by understanding verbal and nonverbal language and improving one’s self-awareness. The workshops emphasize the importance of making connections across generations and creating an accessible environment.

Pros: This instructor-led course gives a unique interactive experience compared to other types of sensitivity training courses. Skill Path also offers a free needs assessment by a professional to see which workplace sensitivity training program is best for your organization and then directs lessons.

Cons: We couldn’t find any cons to this amazing course.

If you want to learn inclusive leadership skills and more about the skill path in a diversity and inclusion workplace, visit here.

4. Online Diversity Training Software by ProProfs

Proprofs Sensitivity Training

Duration: Customizable

Cost: $2 per attendee

It’s a different sensitivity training altogether. Employers and business owners can use ProProfs’ software to design, customize, and deliver their own diversity training programs in line with these goals.

The program has many customizable pre-built courses. A user can choose a program from the library and customize it to meet the needs of employees. The user can also create a course by combining modules from the library or designing one from scratch.

This HR software includes modules that help you develop courses on actionable data. The best way to make a diversity training program successful is by first understanding your audience and then designing the course for them.

  • You can add images, graphics, or videos to make learning more interactive and appealing.
  • It lets you create quizzes and assessments to gauge whether the user has learned what they need.
  • Employee surveys and opinion polls are also available to measure the satisfaction rate.
  • The course is virtual and accessible anywhere, anytime.
  • The software is compatible with all types of devices, from desktop computers to smartphones.
  • Employees can learn at their own pace, which provides a more personalized experience in a smooth, interactive environment.
  • The software is customizable, so you can add it to your website and create certificates with your name and logo.

Pros: Tailored to each organization, the custom program encourages productivity and interactivity among employees. Its straightforward approach is suitable for all levels; even a high school graduate can perform on diverse topics. Personalized content and data-driven awareness are more effective than generalized diversity training courses. Your employees will see results after completing our course.

Cons: The sensitivity training course is free to build, but it costs $2 for each user. It also needs at least 10 users for a basic product. Advanced versions are available for 100 users. So this program is more suitable for larger organizations with many employees.

For further information on this fun and interactive program, visit here.

5. Diversity Works by HRDQ

HRDQ Sensitivity Training

Duration: Customizable

Cost: $999

‘Diversity Works’ is a fun, new way to learn about diversity. It is an interactive kit with materials that gives a hands-on learning experience. This is perfect for any professional looking to make their workplace more accessible and improve the employee experience.

You’ll also have the chance to go beyond what has been taught by using hands-on activities instead of lectures.

The three-hour course is presented as a “game.” Where learners can decide what they want to learn, making it engaging for adults. The game kit comes with enough materials for up to 25 participants. The companies also provide replenish kits.

The activities include: 

  • Individual or group interactions
  • Each individual gets a visual, auditory, and kinetic learning experience
  • It includes both high-tech and low-tech approaches
  • Learners hone their problem-solving skills

HRDQ offers various simulations, games, and assessments designed to develop the people skills that will give you an edge in today’s competitive market. They offer tools for all levels of learning from basic communication techniques to advanced leadership development programs. This practical training tool is designed to improve interpersonal relationships while reducing conflict, improving teamwork, enhancing emotional intelligence, and boosting the organization’s overall productivity.

‘Diversity Works’ program is sought after by leading organizations. Many reputable blogs have recognized and praised the technology and unique training style of the module.

Pros: The course provides everything you need to set up a workshop, including an introduction and instructional document, and course materials for participants. Pre and post-evaluation and color-coded activity material are also part of the program. These elements tie together to create a cohesive employee training experience.

Cons: It is the most expensive course on our list; it also has a minimum requirement of 25 participants.

If you are interested in this exclusive training game, find out more about the program here.

6. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Training and More by Executive Diversity Services, Inc.

Executive diversity Sensitivity Training

Duration: N/A

Cost: N/A

This Diversity & Inclusion course offers training beyond addressing workplace discrimination for a more natural learning environment. The respectful approach makes a safe and assessable environment for participants.

The goal of this course is to help participants understand the value and dynamics involved in diversity. Participants will learn how differences between individuals can have a positive impact when included and what creates an inclusive workplace. The diversity training materials in this course is for HR executives and the rest of your staff.

It enables individuals to recognize diversity in the workplace as a source of strength rather than a threat; appreciate differences while recognizing similarities; learn how to work with people from other cultures; understand the value of intercultural communication based on mutual respect and trust; accept individual responsibility for one’s own behavior and respect coworkers.

This training builds inclusive leadership skills that allow leaders and employees alike to create change by achieving equity at all levels, whether you manage people, structures, or both.

Course contents are designed as:

  • Brief lectures
  • Simulations
  • Small group-exercises
  • Discussions
  • Videos

Executive Diversity Services (EDS) provides organizations with a range of training programs designed to help professionals improve their effectiveness by enhancing their cultural competence. It also offers customized solutions based on specific needs or industry requirements.

Tips to put up Sensitivity Training in Workplace

Pros: EDS has designed its programs with two trainers per course to ensure that every participant receives the appropriate attention and shows how a diverse team can work together.

Beyond that, they are also emphasizing intensive training of the trainer. Their extensive network of experts undergoes rigorous workshops and training with a co-worker before they can be authorized to provide in-house sensitivity training.

Cons: Planning and budgeting are a bit more challenging. EDS also provides onsite sensitivity training, so you will have to find a location for the workshop.

If you want to learn about this special course, visit the official site here.

Why is Sensitivity Training Important for Employees?

Sensitivity training is a vital part of any organization’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Employees need to understand how their words, actions, or behaviors might make someone else feel uncomfortable. This is because you never know what types of backgrounds, beliefs, or cultures a coworker may have.

Furthermore, employers are responsible for providing a safe work environment, and for doing so, they need to ensure that all of their employees feel comfortable expressing themselves. Implementing sensitivity training and discrimination training programs will help ensure all employees feel valued and respected regardless of background or culture. It makes a person more aware of biases and can become a contributor to fighting discriminatory thoughts.

Sensitivity programs allow employees to understand the company’s stance on different types of discrimination, including but not limited to gender equality, sexual orientation and harassment, religious diversity, workplace diversity, disability rights, and more.

Conclusion

Sensitivity training is an important step for every organization to help their employees become more aware of the world around them and how it impacts those they interact with. These best sensitivity programs are all different, catering to a specific need your company might have. Above we have answered this query on what is sensitivity training in the workplace along with the best sensitivity training programs. Go through it and find the perfect program that will benefit you and your company.

FAQs

Here is a list of questions regarding sensitivity training work:

Does Sensitivity Training Work?

Proper training that engages the attendees tends to have effective results. But it’s crucial that sensitivity training is done and with a plan. If done correctly, employers can see results. If executed poorly, sensitivity training can have little to no effects.

How Do You Start Sensitivity Training?

There are five steps to a successful sensitivity training: committing resources, staff engagement, creating a healthy culture, incorporating proper rules into talent recruitment, and goal evaluation. Although you can do it yourself, it’s a better idea to hire a professional or find a professional training program.

What Should I Focus on in Sensitivity Training?

Like with every other staff training, you need to have clear goals. In sensitivity training, the goal is to expand the company’s resources without creating issues inside your workforce. Moreover, the goal is to help the staff become more aware of each other and, thus, more effective.

 

 


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Josh Fechter
Josh Fechter is the founder of HR.University. He's a certified HR professional and has managed global teams across 5 different continents including their benefits and payroll. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.