Thursday, December 31, 2015

Thoughts on Sensitivity Training Going into 2016




Hello everyone, Bill Walsh here. 

I hope you are all having a great holiday season and if you are reading this after December 31st then a Happy New Year to you!

Going into 2016 I have been booked for many Sensitivity Training Courses for businesses in Washington and Arlington. This is something that doesn’t really surprise me as many business operators like to start the new year off with new training for their employees.

Year after year Sensitivity Training continues to be a popular training course and honestly, I think this is a good thing. 

With more and more instances of workplace harassment and abuse being reported each year, it seems to be that there is no such thing as TOO MUCH awareness about this issue.



The only problem that I find when it comes to sensitivity training is that not everyone takes it as seriously as they should. If I had a dollar for every time someone made an “insensitive” joke during their sensitive training I would be a rich man!

Employees, often snicker and laugh when dealing with the sensitive matters addressed during “sensitivity training”. As the trainer I have learnt to take this with a grain of salt. I just hope that what I am teaching sinks in.

It is true that we are in a very enlightened era. However, matters of workplace harassment and abuse are not to be scoffed at. Inappropriate conduct can cost businesses money when lawsuits are filed. Employees, can lose their job if they do not conduct themselves appropriately. 

For this reason Sensitivity Training continues to be necessary (and needed) in all workplaces. It doesn’t matter how modern or progressive your office is your employees need to be properly educated about conduct issues. It is wise to provide them with training for liability purposes as well. This way you can at least be certain that everyone is aware of the expectations and policies that are in place.

That is just my two cents. Going into 2016, I am hoping that there will be less “news” about large  workplace harassment lawsuits. I also am hoping that my training courses actually sink in.

Until next time
-Bill