When creating training programs, it’s crucial to recognize the diverse groups that make up your audience. In today’s world, training should be as inclusive and representative as the trainees themselves.
Whether rolling out safety training programs, diversity initiatives, or professional development sessions, ensuring everyone feels seen and understood is important. Here are some tips for tailoring your training programs to diverse groups
1. Start by Understanding Your Audience
Before you can tailor your training programs, you need to know who you’re tailoring them to. Do your participants come from different cultural backgrounds? Are they a mix of different gender identities and sexual orientations? Are there language or communication barriers to consider? Understanding your audience will help you make informed decisions about presenting the content.
Pro tip: Surveys are your best friend. Before any training session, send out a brief questionnaire that helps you gauge where people are coming from and their needs. This way, you avoid making assumptions, which, let’s be honest, no one likes.
2. Use Inclusive Language
Words matter, and they can make or break your training program. Always use inclusive language when designing and delivering your training. Having inclusive training materials means steering clear of gendered language and stereotypes and using language that acknowledges the different identities within the room.
For example, use “they” instead of “he or she” when referring to individuals, and when addressing a group, go for “folks” or “everyone” rather than “ladies and gentlemen.” It’s a small tweak that can greatly impact how people feel.
A good rule of thumb is to let people self-identify. Don’t assume you know someone’s pronouns or identity. Providing space for introductions with names and pronouns is a great way to set the tone for an inclusive environment.
3. Make Safety a Priority
Safety is key in any workplace or community, and this is where well-tailored training programs shine. Safety training programs benefit your business by fostering a more secure, comfortable, and productive environment.
However, one-size-fits-all approaches to safety may not work for diverse groups. Consider the unique needs of individuals when creating safety guidelines.
For instance, ensuring that all-gender restrooms are part of your safety orientation, or making accommodations for people with disabilities during evacuation drills, shows that you’re thinking about everyone’s safety.
Also, it’s important to remember that safety isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too. Acknowledge that psychological safety matters and watch as your employees see your business in a new light.
4. Evaluate and Evolve
Your training programs should never be static. As the needs of your audience evolve, so should your training.
Make it a habit to collect feedback after each session and use it to make improvements. This level of communication shows that you’re committed to inclusivity and having relevant and effective training sessions.
Also, check in with yourself as a facilitator. Are you growing? Are you learning more about diversity, equity, and inclusion? Your ability to evolve will directly affect the success of your training programs.
Creating inclusive training programs catering to diversity isn’t just nice to have; it’s necessary. Our tips for tailoring your training program to diverse groups help create a more inclusive, productive environment. And as a bonus, safety training programs benefit your business, too!