Inclusive Communication Training

Sometimes we don’t say the right thing. But we can learn.

According to the Pew Research Center, Americans spend over 1000 hours at work each year. It is inevitable that during those 1000+ hours, we sometimes engage in conversations that leave us feeling unsettled. Our unconscious biases can surface and create a sense of alienation between our coworkers. There are times when communication can be difficult, but making conversations a little easier is possible through inclusive communication. Inclusive communication in the workplace can create a sense of community, belonging, and psychological safety.

Sometimes we say things without knowing the impact those words may have on others. Statements like “minority” or “communities of color” are current hot topics of conversation—which one should you use? How does one understand the concept of “white privilege?” Or a colleague might ask, “where someone is from,” (assuming they are from another country), when they are from…right down the street.

The content of people3’s inclusive communication course focuses on helping team members understand the terminology of well-intentioned communication that may run sideways with unconscious bias. Our course also helps team members better understand the nuances of that terminology to mitigate unconscious bias in conversations. We provide real-life examples on how to handle communication snafus, or, as we like to say, “when we step in it.” We discuss what stereotypical, insensitive, or potentially alienating language looks like and how to avoid these in everyday communication by being mindful.

As part of our course, we also provide access to a terminology toolkit, so you have a guide to help you better understand the meaning of regularly misunderstood words or phrases.

While we may be well intentioned with our words, sometimes we still step in it. With inclusive communication skills, we can hopefully sidestep some of those puddles.