Today’s labor force is much more diverse than in the past and becoming more and more diverse every day. Research shows that organizations with greater diversity have greater potential for breakthrough performance; however, they also have greater potential for breakdowns, due to misunderstandings, miscommunications, and hurt feelings.

The purpose of this workshop is to help your team/organization to create a respectful workplace — one that maximizes the potential benefits of …. and minimizes the potential problems related to — increased workforce diversity. This workshop can help your organization/work group to create a workplace that is welcoming to all people; a workplace where people want to come — and stay — and where they can be their most productive, with their right to personal dignity protected.

By means of video demonstration, discussion and several hands-on activities, participants learn approaches and techniques for dealing with sensitive matters relating to ensuring a respectful workplace for all coworkers. These include but are not limited to techniques for recognizing, responding to and resolving difficult interactions that can stem from individual and cultural differences. It begins with developing awareness of the need to recognize, appreciate and adapt to differences in the expectations and preferences of the diverse people with whom we work.

After completing this module you will be able to:

• Explain the benefits of mutual respect in the workplace
• Explain the importance of personal responsibility in promoting respect in the workplace
• Use the four steps in the M.E.E.T. model to help promote a “mutual respect” working environment
• Identify and describe your role and responsibilities in fostering a respectful workplace that is welcoming to and supportive of all coworkers
  • Follow general principles that foster workplace respect
  • Be proactive about letting others know your preferences and sensitivities
  • Make an effort to get to know people who are different from you. Learn about
  • Be aware of and avoid behaviors which may be perceived as disrespectful
  • Speak up directly but respectfully if someone offends you
  • Stand up/speak up for others who are being disrespected; be willing to coach
  • Stay alert for and be responsive to feedback that you’ve done something offensive
  • Communicate positive expectations of others and help others meet these others including their preferences and sensitivities; seek to find common ground others on how to be more respectful expectations by providing them clear work directions and job training.