5 Benefits of Cultural Sensitivity Training

Everyone comes from different backgrounds, whether it’s your staff or your customers. When trying to run a successful business, you’re better off understanding those differences and ensuring your workforce does as well.

Deloitte surveyed more than 3,000 Americans on inclusion and bias in the workplace. More than 60 percent of respondents said they’ve faced some bias, 39 percent say they experience bias at least once a month, and 83 percent describe the bias they have experienced or witnessed as subtle and indirect or microaggressions.

These often subtle moments of lack of cultural awareness affect your employees, customers, and, therefore, your business.

1. Productivity

Whether restocking food stores or cleaning guest rooms, productivity decreases when employees feel disrespected. Sixty-eight percent of Deloitte’s survey respondents said witnessing or experiencing bias hurt their productivity.

2. Reputation

A negative reputation amongst the workforce can make hiring and employee retention difficult. Turnover and job scouting will cost you time and money.

Keep in mind, too, that if people on your payroll show bias toward their peers, what’s stopping them from doing the same to your customers? One negative experience or one bad review can be enough to tarnish your reputation, especially in the age of social media.

3. Happier customers

Customers who feel their culture and identity have been disrespected are certainly customers who won’t be coming back. That’s pretty simple. But employee satisfaction trickles down to your customers, too.

When your employees feel they can be themselves, they’ll have a better outlook and attitude. This sense of well-being leaves them in a better spot mentally to provide top-notch customer service.

4. Better teamwork

An employee isn’t going to feel engaged and ready to work with someone who has displayed some level of cultural bias against them. Low employee engagement leads to frustration, lack of communication and trust, and conflict. Next thing you know, those ingredients never get prepped before the rush, and a domino effect ensues.

5. Flow of ideas

Employees are on the ground taking care of day-to-day needs and putting out those metaphorical fires as they come up. Your staff members may have unique ideas and practical ideas on streamlining processes and making everything run smoother.

They won’t want to speak up if they’ve had biased and ignorant experiences with peers or superiors. Ultimately, not having that conversation hurts your chances of improving processes and growing your profit.