Over the past 16 years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with over 100 organisations to foster safe and respectful workplaces.
Through this journey, I’ve observed two distinct approaches in the way organisations approach mandatory workplace behaviour training. Some organisations focus on compliance – a box to tick to meet legal obligations. Others recognise it as a strategic opportunity to raise the bar in employee wellbeing and productivity.
I believe an organisation’s approach to compliance can profoundly influence training outcomes and the broader workplace culture.
The Compliance-Centric Approach
Organisations that adopt a compliance-centric mindset often implement training to mitigate legal risks and fulfil regulatory requirements.
While understanding and adhering to legal obligations is undeniably important, an exclusive focus on compliance can affect the attitude of both management and staff. Managers may perceive training as an addition to their already overwhelming list, while staff may consider it a chore rather than a valuable learning experience.
This may ultimately result in minimal behavioural change and a missed opportunity to positively impact the workplace culture and environment.
The Holistic, Benefit-Oriented Approach
Conversely, organisations that embrace a holistic approach consider workplace behaviour training as an investment in their people and culture. They understand that such training not only addresses legal requirements but also fosters a culture of respect, inclusion, and psychological safety.
This perspective then influences a careful selection of training providers and programs that are engaging, relevant, and impactful. Managers and staff are more likely to engage positively and internalise the principles discussed, leading to genuine behavioural change and a more harmonious workplace.
The Strategic Advantage of Proactive Training
I always encourage organisations to manage unlawful workplace behaviours proactively – not just to ensure compliance, but to enhance the workplace culture. A workplace that actively promotes respect and inclusivity can reap numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Employee Wellbeing: Employees in respectful environments experience lower stress levels, leading to improved mental wellness and job satisfaction.
- Increased Productivity: A positive workplace culture fosters collaboration and innovation, driving overall organisational performance.
- Talent Attraction and Retention: Organisations known for their inclusive culture attract top talent and experience lower staff turnover.
- Reduced Risks: Addressing potential issues proactively minimises the risk of costly legal actions and reputational damage.
At EEO Specialists, we’ve witnessed first hand the transformative impact of proactive training. When asked what they will do differently because of our half day EEO training, participants have said the following:
- “Think more about what I do and say before responding. Take a few breaths and calm down. Don’t respond immediately, take more time to think.”
- “Be more mindful of others that may be experiencing bullying instead of minding my own business.”
- “Divert bad behaviour. Support staff more. Understand my mood and others. Lower my cortisol! Work harder on my four non negotiables.”
- “Call out inappropriate behaviour more often.”
Addressing Training Fatigue
Training fatigue is certainly an important aspect to consider. The key is to source training that is engaging, fun, interactive and relevant. It’s essential to select programs that resonate with participants to maximise the benefits of workplace behaviour training. This involves:
- Customised Plans: Work with training providers who spend time to understand and factor in the unique circumstances of your organisation.
- Interactive Learning: Novel methods such as interactive theatre to depict real-life scenarios can make the training relatable and memorable.
- Ongoing Support: Providing resources and continuous learning opportunities to reinforce training concepts and support behavioural change.
If your organisation is considering mandatory workplace behaviour training, please take some time to consider your approach. A holistic, benefit-oriented perspective will elevate the training outcomes, influence the attitude of participants, and contribute positively towards a thriving workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to contribute their best.
If you would like to have a confidential conversation about this subject, please call me on 0405 134 187.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
The author, Franca Sala Tenna, is a lawyer and acknowledged workplace behaviour and compliance expert. She is also the Founder & Director of EEO Specialists, and Online Compliance Training.