This half-day programme is designed to provide participants from international organisations with the skills and knowledge to create an inclusive and culturally competent environment. By examining unconscious bias, cultural differences, and the fundamentals of inclusive communication, this course aims to challenge assumptions, expand viewpoints, and improve cohesion and understanding among global teams. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

• Identify and reduce the impact of unconscious bias in international workplaces. 
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of global diversity, respecting individual traits and experiences. 
• Confidently use inclusive language and principles to create a respectful and welcoming work atmosphere. 
• Develop cross-cultural skills to enhance communication and build meaningful connections globally. 
• Implement strategies to maintain an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and sparks innovation. 
• Create actionable plans to incorporate inclusion and cultural awareness into their professional roles. 

Workshop Outline

Universal Inclusion: We’ll begin with an icebreaker activity called ‘New World Rules’ to establish a common understanding of inclusion and diversity in global contexts. Participants will delve into the complexities of unconscious bias globally. Through discussions, they will explore how cultural norms and values influence biases and how these biases affect interactions. 

Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity: Participants will learn about cultural awareness and sensitivity through interactive discussions, focusing on cultural dimensions and how these affect behaviours, communication styles, and work preferences. We will introduce the concept of cultural intelligence (CQ) and its cognitive, motivational, and behavioural components. 

Language and Universal Principles: We’ll discuss how inclusive language and universal principles can create a welcoming and respectful environment. Participants will learn the importance of gender-neutral terms, avoiding jargon, and being mindful of cultural idioms. Universal principles like respect, empathy, and equity will also be introduced. 

Cross-Cultural Understanding and Communication: Participants will explore the complexities of cross-cultural communication, overcoming language barriers, and ensuring clear communication. We will discuss strategies for promoting an encouraging and supportive environment, linking back to the icebreaker exercise. 

Empowering Cross-Cultural Teams: Building on cultural understanding, participants will gain practical tools to embrace cultural differences, enhance workplace interactions, and encourage creativity. We’ll discuss how to develop meaningful connections across cultural boundaries. 

Action Planning for Diversity and Inclusion: Participants will collaboratively develop action plans to promote diversity and inclusion within their workplaces, discuss future learning opportunities, and leave with a clear understanding of how to promote ongoing inclusion and cultural competence.