Online Class: Sensitivity Training for the Workplace

This online sensitivity training course provides the insight you need to become more culturally aware and competent in dealing with people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 10
    Lessons
  • 34
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 4,770
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 7
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.7
    CEUs
 
 

Course Description

Mastering Sensitivity: Navigating the Globalized Workplace with Empathy and Understanding

In the interconnected world of the 21st century, the workplace is no longer just a physical space confined by four walls. It's a dynamic realm of diverse cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds converging together. To lead, collaborate, and flourish in such an environment, professionals must move beyond mere awareness to true cultural competence. This is where our "Mastering Sensitivity" online training comes into play.

Why This Course?
Navigating diverse workspaces isn't just about tolerance; it's about embracing and celebrating the myriad perspectives that different individuals bring to the table. "Mastering Sensitivity" is meticulously designed to ensure you not only comprehend these differences but can leverage them for organizational success.

Dive Deep into a Comprehensive Curriculum:

  1. Foundation of Cultural Competence: Kick-start your journey by understanding the essence of cultural competence and why it's pivotal in today's global business ecosystem.
  2. Cultural Immersion: Journey through the fascinating world of diverse cultures, exploring their unique traditions, beliefs, and lifestyles.
  3. Beyond Cultural Nuances: Addressing critical aspects such as gender disparities, generational gaps, and the intricacies of the LGBT community, ensuring a holistic sensitivity approach.
  4. Conflict Resolution: Equip yourself with pragmatic tools and strategies to mediate misunderstandings and conflicts, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and harmony.
  5. Elevate Communication: Discover the art of effective communication that bridges generational divides, ensuring smoother collaboration across teams of varied age groups.
  6. Practical Application: Through real-life scenarios, simulations, and activities, practice the principles you learn, ensuring they're more than just theoretical knowledge.

Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a fledgling start-up venturing into new markets or a multinational corporation looking to foster a more inclusive environment, this course is tailored for you. Human resource professionals, team leaders, managers, and even individual contributors will find invaluable insights and tools to elevate their professional interactions.

Our Commitment:
Our course doesn't just stop at delivering lessons. We are dedicated to facilitating your journey to mastery. With a plethora of resources, from insightful videos and reading materials to interactive quizzes, we ensure that learning becomes an engaging experience. Join us, and redefine the dynamics of your workplace.

Why should I take this sensitivity course?

This course is unique in its approach to sensitivity training because it is not a lecture of what to say and do and what not to say and do in a professional/business setting. Instead, this course explores ways to see beyond our individual life and cultural experiences and provides exercises to broaden our understanding of how to better communicate with different cultures in order to achieve better productivity and reduce conflict. Additionally, this course serves as a practical 'how-to' guide and does not get lost in esoteric arguments or force a political agenda, but rather focuses on real, practical advice you can use to understand and better communicate with all people regardless of their background, culture, religious beliefs, upbringing, or lifestyle.

How does sensitivity training increase business productivity?

This specific course aims to increase awareness, communication, and understanding amongst people with different belief systems in order foster new ideas, creative thinking, and ultimately maximize productivity. Successful businesses require unique problem solving strategies to address the competitive market headwinds they face--particularly in a world where everything is connected and shared. A business with a diverse and inclusive group of problem solvers has a higher probability of finding profitable solutions to these problems. In short, a diverse workplace can help your business think outside the box.

There are several types of sensitivity training courses, how do I know which one to take?

We do offer several diversity and inclusion courses depending on your training needs. This course touches on more of the common issues and concerns employees face in a diverse workplace (gender, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, etc.) while our other courses may focus specifically on gender sensitivity or age-related diversity issues. This course is a great all-in-one resource for helping your organization become more aware of sensitive issues when you have a diverse group of people and how to appropriately handle these issues, which is why it is one of the most popular training programs available.

What kind of certificate is awarded for completing this class?

This sensitivity class offers an accredited CEU Certificate of Course Completion if you sign up for the CEU Certificate version of the course. Your satisfactory completion of this course is determined by an overall/final grade of 70% or higher (this is the final grade after calculating all exam and assignment assessments). This course is rated for 7.0 IACET CEUs which is equivalent to 7 contact hours (this is the average time it takes an individual to complete the training with a 70% or higher grade). When you have successfully completed the course, you may share, download, and/or print your certificate of course completion. A third party (such as your employer) will be able to verify your successful training completion via a unique serial number on our service. You can also document your compliance training in the "Professional Development" area of your resume by listing the course title, contact hours, number of CEUs, and completion date.

I need this training for my staff in order to stay in compliance, how do I purchase it in bulk for them?

The easiest way to purchase this sensitivity training for multiple individuals is to use our Group Enrollments area. There you can purchase this or any course in bulk, receive discounts based on volume, instantly send out vouchers to your staff for course access, and monitor their course progress.

Course Motivation

This course is designed to be used as a sensitivity training program for individuals or groups in the workplace. The need for sensitivity training programs like this are on the rise as our general population becomes more and more diverse, and this diversity changes the makeup of the workforce. 

However, before you begin this course, there are some things you need to understand about diversity and sensitivity training that will be critical to not only passing this course, but also actually learning and benefiting from it. In addition, there are some assumptions we made in creating the course that will help you understand the basis for the lessons, exercises, and activities that are assigned to you. We'll cover all of these things in this lesson, so that we can dispel any myths and arm you with the facts, before we go any further.

What to Expect From This Course

This course was designed to be used as a sensitivity training program for those in the workforce, entering the workforce, or groups wishing to bring this type of training program to the workforce. We will learn the meaning and purpose of this training, why it's important, and how you can constructively and successfully deal with diversity in an ever-changing workforce. 

This course is divided into 12 lessons. At the end of each lesson, you will find lesson exercises/quizzes, as well as lesson activities/assignments. The lesson exercises are simply a series of multiple choice and true/false questions to quiz you on the material you've learned. These exercises are required in order to successfully complete this course. 

Lesson activities are interactive, meaning you can complete these with a partner, or within a group setting. These activities help you put into practice what you've learned using simulations. Even though lesson activities are optional for all students, it's highly advised that you complete the activities using either the student forums, or with a friend.

Why Sensitivity Training is Needed

A lot of myths have been created around sensitivity training since it's become fairly mainstreamed in the workplace.  Again, you will encounter more than several people who believe that sensitivity training (or diversity training) has risen from the need for all of us to remain politically correct – and even tip-toe around certain groups of people as to not offend them. These things are not true.

That said, there are a lot of people who are resistant to the change in the workplace. Perhaps they are even somewhat resistant to embracing diversity, instead of shying away from it. How many times have you, or someone you know, been frustrated with a customer service representative on the phone who speaks broken English? Have you ever felt frustrated that a company Christmas party was renamed a holiday party, simply to respect the religious diversity that exists in your organization's workforce? 

To you, the things listed in the last paragraph may not represent resistance to diversity. They may simply represent your beliefs that people in your country should speak your language. It may represent your belief that this is a Christian country, and we should be able to openly celebrate Christmas. To you or to others you know, it may represent a move to "the left" and to becoming politically correct at all times. However, that is not the case. Let's take a look at American history and the occurrences in history that have made this country more diverse today than it ever has been.  

Immigration

The Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 all but removed the previous national-origins quota system that limited the number of immigrants allowed from certain counties, and gave preference to western Europeans. It also removed the exclusion of Latin Americans, Asians, and Africans. As a result of this law, immigration started to increase dramatically. 

In the 30 years after passage of this law, more than 18 million immigrants entered the country legally. This was at least three times the number of those admitted in the 30 years prior. Instead of coming from mostly western European countries, these immigrants came from all over the world.  In the 1990s, for example, only 16 percent of immigrants were Europeans, while 31 percent were Asian. The largest number of immigrants came from Mexico (4.3 million) and the Philippines (1.4 million). This is a sharp contrast to the 1950s, where over half of the immigrants were European and only 6 percent Asian. 

This change in immigration changed the makeup of our population forever, but it also changed the face of the workplace that you now deal with today. The people you work with today come from all different parts of the world. They have different beliefs, different methods of communicating, and maybe even speak different languages. 

Life Expectancy and Retirement

Thanks to medical advances, we are all living a lot longer (on average) than our grandparents and other ancestors did. In 1960, the average life expectancy was 69.7 years. In 1980, it was 73.7 years. It was 77.0 years in 2000, and it was 78.7 in 2010.  As you can see, our life expectancy keeps climbing. We are living longer.

However, because we're healthier and living longer, we're also remaining in the workforce longer. It's not unusual for healthy senior citizens to decide to stay in the workforce, because they want to keep working, or to increase the Social Security benefits they'll receive at retirement. 

The age for collecting Social Security benefits at retirement has risen from 65 years of age to 67 (if you were born in 1960 or later), with delayed retirement credits for those who delay collecting benefits until age 70. Although you can still retire and collect benefits at the age of 62, there are penalties for collecting before the full retirement age that has been established by the Social Security Administration. For a lot of senior citizens, this may mean staying in the workforce longer than their parents and grandparents did in order to retire more comfortably.

Equal Opportunity Laws

There are several federal laws in existence today to promote fairness in hiring and employment, therefore, preventing discrimination against someone due to their gender, religious beliefs, age, etc. These laws were created to give everyone a chance to succeed in the workplace and their careers, as well as to make sure that someone's differences aren't used as a reason to turn them down for a job they are otherwise qualified for, to pay someone less, or to treat them differently than any other employee. 

Conclusion

Because the workforce is more diverse than ever before, sensitivity training is a critical aspect of career training. That said, understanding why sensitivity training is needed is the first step to becoming more sensitive to your own feelings, beliefs, and values, as well as to those around you in your organization. 

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.1 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(4,534 votes)

Lesson 1: Introduction to Diversity and Sensitivity Training

This course was designed to be used as a sensitivity training program for those in the workforce, entering the workforce, or groups wishing to bring this type of training program to the workforce. Additional lesson topics: What is Sensitivity Training 12 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Assignment 1
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: Recognizing Differences and Behavior by Looking Inward

It's when we become sensitive to the differences in each of us that the workplace becomes a more positive place, and we all succeed to a higher level than we otherwise would. Additional lesson topics: How Others Perceive You Quiz; How to See Yourself As Others See You 15 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 2-1
  • Complete: Assignment 2-2
  • Complete: Assignment 2-3
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: It's All About Respect

When you learn to look inward and, therefore, become more sensitive to others, you also take your professionalism up a notch. Additional lesson topics: How to Demonstrate Respect at Work 14 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 3-1
  • Complete: Assignment 3-2
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: Facing Racial and Other Prejudices or Stereotypes

Prejudice wears many faces, and it appears in many forms. No matter how hard we may try to avoid it, it even appears in those of us who strive to remain free of prejudice in our daily lives. Additional lesson topics: Avoiding Stereotypes in the Workplace 12 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 4-1
  • Complete: Assignment 4-2
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Cultural Differences in the Workplace

Culture has many definitions, and in this lesson we're going to talk about how those definitions apply to, and affect, your workplace. Additional lesson topics: Diversity Calendar: Multicultural Celebrations; Several Strategies for Dealing With Diversity in the Workplace 12 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 5-1
  • Complete: Assignment 5-2
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Let's Talk About Gender

It is critical, though, that you learn the skills needed to work together in harmony, and practice effective communication. 12 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 6-1
  • Complete: Assignment 6-2
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: A Discussion About Disabilities

There are all types of disabilities covered by the word disability. It does not mean, as we've said, that the person with a disability is unable to work or complete their job as well as anyone else. Additional lesson topics: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; Disability Awareness: Increasing Employers Understanding of the ADA, Accommodations and Other Supports in the Workplace 13 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 7-1
  • Complete: Assignment 7-2
  • Complete: Assignment 7-3
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Generational Diversity Training

The lack of understanding about generational diversity is causing tension and dissension in the workplace. 12 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 8-1
  • Complete: Assignment 8-2
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: LGBTQIA+ Sensitivity Training

As recent as just 20 years ago, a gay, lesbian, or transgender person would have stayed 'in the closet' for fear of risking their professional career; that's not the way it is today. 12 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 9-1
  • Complete: Assignment 9-2
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Resolving Conflicts

It's how we work to resolve conflicts that helps us to determine how successful we are at both communicating and working as part of a team. Additional lesson topics: 5 Keys of Dealing with Workplace Conflict 58 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete: Assignment 10-1
  • Complete: Assignment 10-2
  • Complete: Assignment 10-3
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
172
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe what diversity and sensitivity training is and why it is important.
  • Recognize differences and behaviors by looking inward.
  • Describe facing racial and other prejudices or stereotypes in the workplace and how to react to them.
  • Identify cultural differences in the workplace and determine how to deal with communication issues.
  • Describe and recognize gender issues that arise in the workplace.
  • Discuss disabilities in the workplace.
  • Identify generational diversity training needs.
  • Recognize LGBT sensitivity training needs.
  • Describe processes for resolving conflicts that may arise because of diversity issues in the workplace.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Sensitivity Training for the Workplace
Course Number: 8900242
Lessons Rating: 4.1 / 5 Stars (4,534 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas.
Last Updated: November 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.7 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Linda Zavadil
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "Thank you sincerely for the content of this course. It summons deep thinking that is rewarding. It is impactful on my self awareness and shall drive respectful results. I've noticed situational improvements since starting the course, perhaps my own behavior and experience in the course is related to what may be perceived as overall situational improvement." -- Steven F.
  • "As a 61 year old CEO of my own company this is been a very helpful and enlightening course! Thank you very much!" -- Robin M.
  • "This is the first time I have been exposed or given training these topics. I have learned a great deal about both myself and others. I wish I had been exposed to these ideas long ago. Thank you!" -- David P.
  • "This was very helpful. If I had taken this course earlier I would have avoided or resolved many previous conflicts." -- Cameron A.
  • "I quite enjoyed this course and it was what I was looking for as a complete resource for digging into the topic of sensitivity issues." -- Paul H.
  • "This is definitely a keeper. It's up-to-date and inclusive. It should be used as a preventative measure to all incoming employees." -- Rhonda S.
  • "I spoke highly of this course to my supervisor and my coworkers. I basically told them all to take this course. We need to! My work place is very diverse in cultures as well as in generations. By taking this class, bridges to cross will be shorter and barriers crumble more. Thank you for this class." -- Maria C.
  • "This was a great course. I had a conversation about it with my husband. He is in food service and has several coworkers that are LGBTQ, he struggles at times with communication, but asked a question I thought was valid. We discuss being sensitive to LGBTQ communities, but do we discuss how members of the LGBTQ community can communicate more of there needs/or preferences, when appropriate to people in a professional way. It seems there is opportunity for better communication and understand going each direction." -- Joanne M.
  • "What a great experience! I am a middle-aged American male. My first thought was, 'OMG! Another liberal-agenda for society' I was enlightened indeed!" -- Samson N.
  • "Instructor was fantastic. She marked the exams quickly and provided me with the confidence I needed to carry on." -- Mike C.
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