Have you ever been in a meeting where you found one of the employees hesitating to share their thoughts? That is probably because they are considerate of the other person’s feelings and do not want to hurt them. While cultural differences can sometimes lead to unintentionally biased behavior, workplace sensitivity training is something that enlightens employees on how to protect themselves from a toxic work culture and show real-life traits like compassion, empathy, and open-mindedness towards their coworkers.
Sensitivity Training for employees is necessary because it prevents workplace discrimination, improves the interpersonal relationship between your employees, increases awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion, enhances overall employee morale, and also helps you maintain a reputation in the market.
Now let’s test your understanding of diversity and sensitivity training with a quick sensitivity training MCQ:
Sensitivity Training for Employees Quiz With Answers
1. What is the main goal of sensitivity training?
A. To teach employees how to code more efficiently
B. To increase awareness of unconscious biases and promote respectful communication
C. To prepare employees for public speaking engagements
D. To test employees' knowledge of company policies
Answer: B
2. Sensitivity training is all about political correctness.
A. True
B. False
Answer: B
3. Which of the following is NOT a key trait of sensitivity?
A. Empathy
B. Open-mindedness
C. Judgmentalism
D. Compassion
Answer: C
4. What is an example of a microaggression in the workplace?
A. Providing constructive criticism on a project
B. Asking a colleague about their weekend plans
C. Assuming a female colleague needs help with a technical task because of her gender
D. Offering to mentor a junior colleague
Answer: C
5. Sensitivity training can help improve what in the workplace?
A. Productivity and collaboration
B. Office layout and decoration
C. Employee vacation schedules
D. Departmental budgets
Answer: A
6. A manager frequently uses jokes that target specific ethnicities. This is an example of:
A. Effective communication
B. A sign of a positive company culture
C. A good way to build team spirit
D. Unconscious bias and potentially offensive behavior
Answer: D
7. It's best to avoid discussing sensitive topics like religion or politics with colleagues.
A. True
B. False
Answer: B
8. What is the best way to respond if you witness a colleague making a discriminatory remark?
A. Ignore it and hope it doesn't happen again
B. Confront the colleague directly if you feel comfortable doing so
C. Report the incident to HR or your supervisor
D. Both b) and c) are good options
Answer: B
9. Sensitivity training programs typically involve:
A. Role-playing exercises
B. Interactive discussion
C. Case study analysis
D. All of the above
Answer: D
10. Sensitivity training benefits both employees and employers.
A. True
B. False
Answer: A
11. Sensitivity training is a one-time event.
A. True
B. False
Answer: B
12. Employees from similar cultural backgrounds don't need sensitivity training.
A. True
B. False
Answer: B
13. What does LGBTQ+ stand for?
A. Loyalty, Trustworthiness, Goal-oriented, Brave, and Tenacious
B. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning
C. Leadership, Quality, Teamwork, Growth, and Unity
D. Learning, Training, Growing, Building, and Thriving
Answer: B
14. Which of the following is an example of a disability?
A. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
B. Color blindness
C. Short temper
D. Strong work ethic
Answer: A
15. How can you be a more inclusive communicator?
A. Use gender-neutral language when appropriate
B. Make assumptions about people's backgrounds or beliefs
C. Interrupt others while they are speaking
D.Only speak in technical jargon
Answer: A
16. A good listener actively pays attention to:
A. Both the speaker's words and nonverbal cues (body language, tone of voice)
B. Only the speaker's words
C. Distractions such as emails or phone notifications
D. Interrupting the speaker to offer your own thoughts
Answer: A
17. It's okay to tell a joke at someone else's expense if it's funny.
A. True
B. False
Answer: B
18. What are some of the challenges associated with implementing sensitivity training?
A. Finding engaging and effective training materials
B. Encouraging open and honest participation from employees
C. Needing expensive technology or software
D. All of the above
Answer: B
19. Who should participate in sensitivity training?
A. Only employees in leadership positions
B. Only employees who have been reported for discriminatory behavior
C. All employees, regardless of their role in the company
D. New hires only
Answer: C
20. How can employees continue to develop their sensitivity skills after training?
A. By attending additional sensitivity training sessions periodically
B. By avoiding any interactions with colleagues from different backgrounds,
C. By only communicating with colleagues through email,
D. By ignoring any updates or resources provided by the company on diversity and inclusion,
Answer: A
Some of the potential causes of a sensitivity issue at a workplace could be unconscious bias, lack of awareness in regard to cultures and different races, poor communication, micromanagement or lack of trust, hostile work environment, unrealistic expectations at work, general differences, and confirmed bias behavior.
So, to get over the microaggressions and hostile work environment, you must create a safe work environment, ensuring that each of your employees shows empathy towards other coworkers and values people coming from diverse backgrounds.
Key points about Sensitivity Training for employees:
The main purpose of conducting Sensitivity Training for employees is to promote inclusivity and respect in the workplace. A robust Workplace Sensitivity Training creates a positive work environment, where each employee feels valued, heard, and respected, regardless of race, gender, sex, or religion.
Inducing regular Sensitivity Training in the workplace not only acts as a navigation guide for your employees but also improves the overall reputation of your organization. It builds trust between the employer and the employees, thus making room for open communication.
However, you should keep in mind that Workplace Sensitivity Training for employees is not a one-time event! It is a constant cycle that changes and enhances over a period of time. Think of it as more of a lifetime investment for your company, where you promote a more healthy and positive work environment for yourself and your coworkers.
Creating a Sensitivity Training Program For Your Employees
Now, how to come up with a lively Sensitivity Training program for your employees? Stop your research and play with the most affordable LXP tool online. Calibr LXP allows you to foster a continuous and engaging learning experience for your employees. So, what are you waiting for? Schedule a live demo session to learn how to access the tool and create your own sensitivity training module with Calibr.ai today!
As an enthusiastic English literature graduate, Chandni enjoys writing as much as a toddler enjoys animation. She discovered her passion for writing and expressing thoughts through this form amidst the nail-biting months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ever since then, she has volunteered in various anthology books that have been published on Amazon. Her experience working on a diverse range of verticals has enabled her to excel in this domain and face new challenges as they come. With a contagious thrill and excitement at the workplace, Chandni embraces wearing different hats and soaks up information like a sponge.