Workplace Diversity

1 Day

Introduction

With the world becoming more mobile and diverse, diversity has taken on a new importance in the workplace. An effective organisation is one which recognises and maximises the differences that exist within individuals whether they be age, sexual orientation, gender, race or disability.

This intensive one day Managing Diversity training course will explore the issues surrounding diversity in the workplace, the legislation that exists and the benefits that a diverse workforce can bring to your organisation.

Our Workplace Diversity workshop will help you understand what diversity is all about, and how you can help create a more diverse world at work. You will be able to use strategies for removing barriers and stereotypes, and to encourage diversity in the workplace, and within you community. You will be guided to use skills such as active listening to receive messages in a diverse population, employ effective questioning techniques, and communicate with strength.

Programme Objectives:

• Explain the definition, terms and history of diversity
• Describe the meaning of stereotypes and biases, how they develop, and the reasons for your own perspectives
• List strategies for removing barriers to encouraging diversity for yourself, in the workplace, and in the social community
• Use active listening skills to receive messages in a diverse population, employ effective questioning techniques, and communicate with strength
• Identify ways to encourage diversity in the workplace, and prevent and discourage discrimination
• Understand and respond to personal complaints, and develop a support system to manage the resolution process
• List the steps a manager should take to record a complaint, analyse the situation, and take appropriate resolution action

Method and Approach

This programme will involve the use of slides, handout material, work manual with all instructor notes and slides, examples of best practice, appropriate videos and appropriate video material.

The use of flip-charts, syndicate workshops and reporting back sessions will encourage a fully participative and enjoyable event. Delegates will be encouraged to participate actively in relating previous work experiences.

Who Should Attend

This Managing Diversity course is designed for those responsible for ensuring that diversity in the workplace is recognised and positively acted upon.

Course Content

This one-day workshop will cover the following subjects:

Module One: Getting Started

• Introduction to the workshop
• Workshop Objectives

Module Two: Understanding Diversity

• What is Diversity?
• Related Terms and Concepts
• A Brief History
• A Legal Overview

Module Three: Understanding Stereotypes

• Stereotypes vs. Biases
• Identifying Your Baggage
• Understanding What This Means

Module Four: Breaking Down the Barriers

• Changing Your Personal Approach
• Encouraging Workplace Changes
• Encouraging Social Changes

Module Five: Verbal Communication Skills

• Listening and Hearing: They Aren’t the Same Thing
• Asking Questions
• Communicating with Power

Module Six: Non-Verbal Communication Skills

• Body Language
• The Signals You Send to Others
• It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It

Module Seven: Being Proactive

• Encouraging Diversity in the Workplace
• Preventing Discrimination
• Ways to Discourage Discrimination

Module Eight: Coping with Discrimination

• Identifying if You Have Been Discriminated Against
• Methods of Reprisal
• Choosing a Course of Action

Module Nine: Dealing with Diversity Complaints as a Person

• What To Do If You’re Involved In A Complaint
• Understanding Your Role
• Creating a Support System

Module Ten: Dealing with Diversity Complaints as a Manager

• Recording the Complaint
• Identifying Appropriate Actions
• Choosing a Path

Module Eleven: Dealing with Diversity Complaints as an Organisation

• Receiving a Complaint
• Choosing a Response
• Learning from the Complaint

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise
• Lessons Learned
• Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations