While not always a specific standalone law, providing this training is considered a mandatory 'reasonable step' under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (AU) and the Human Rights Act 1993 (NZ). Employers are vicariously liable for unlawful acts of discrimination and harassment committed by employees. Regular cultural awareness training demonstrates the organisation is proactively trying to prevent discrimination and foster a non-hostile work environment.
15-Minute Course
Online Cultural Awareness Training Course
This online cultural awareness training course is about understanding cultural awareness and how to build your cultural awareness skills.
Online Cultural Awareness Training Course
Cultural Awareness is the understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of cultural differences.
Did You Know These Facts About Cultural Awareness?
- Cultural background includes the customs, language, traditions, religion, education, and social and economic factors that shape an individual and their sense of belonging.
- Culture influences many parts of our lives, including what we eat, how we dress, how we think, our identity, manners, language and social interactions.
Cultural Awareness Training Course Overview
The online cultural awareness training course for employees, contractors, and volunteers covers what cultural awareness is, how to recognise its benefits, understand cultural dimensions, competence, stereotypes, and bias, and how to build cultural awareness.
Target Audience for Cultural Awareness Training
This cultural awareness training course is suitable for all people or groups, including employees, contractors and volunteers.
Topics Covered in Cultural Awareness Course
The following topics are covered in this cultural awareness training course:
- What cultural awareness is
- The benefits of cultural awareness
- Cultural dimensions, competence, stereotypes, and bias
- Communication styles and cultural etiquette
- Building cultural awareness
- Contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace
Duration of Cultural Awareness Training
This online cultural awareness training course will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Learner Experience in Cultural Awareness Training For Employees
This online course on cultural awareness is simple to navigate, easy to understand and will accommodate all learning styles. It can be delivered through the Sentrient online workplace compliance system or human resource management platform or via your existing learning management system if you already have one. During this cultural awareness training, learners will undertake case studies and learning activities to reinforce practical ways to interact and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. At the end of this cultural awareness course, there is a short online assessment. There is also a declaration that everyone will contribute to an inclusive and respectful workplace.
Learning Outcomes of the Cultural Sensitivity Training
At the end of this online cultural awareness training course, your employees, contractors, and volunteers will be able to:
- Understand what cultural awareness is
- Appreciate the benefits of cultural awareness
- Recognise cultural dimensions, competence, stereotypes, and bias
- Understand different communication styles and cultural etiquette
- Building cultural awareness
- Contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace
Business Outcomes from Cultural Awareness Training Online
Once your staff have completed this online cultural awareness course, you will receive the following benefits:
- Create awareness of what Cultural Awareness is
- Be aware of the benefits of being culturally aware
- Ensure staff are aware of cultural dimensions, competence, stereotypes and bias
- Implement different communication styles and cultural etiquette
- Build cultural awareness to ensure a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace
Other related online courses
The cultural awareness training can be completed as stand-alone eLearning or rolled out with other Sentrient online workplace compliance training at induction and as a regular refresher training. Other related compliance courses by Sentrient include equal employment opportunity and diversity and inclusion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'cultural awareness' and 'cultural safety' that this training covers?
Cultural awareness (the focus of the course) is the foundation: understanding and appreciating the differences and similarities between cultures. Cultural Safety is the outcome: an environment where the individual feels safe, respected, and where their cultural identity is not challenged or denied. The course teaches awareness as the essential step toward achieving cultural safety.
Who is the primary audience for this cultural awareness training for employees?
The training is essential for all employees, contractors, and volunteers, regardless of their role or seniority. Cultural awareness is a foundational skill for every person interacting in a modern, diverse workplace.
How does embracing cultural awareness benefit our organisation's bottom line?
Beyond compliance, cultural awareness enhances innovation (diverse teams solve problems more effectively), employee engagement (people who feel valued are more productive), and customer service (staff can interact respectfully and effectively with a diverse client base), ultimately improving reputation and financial performance.
How long does the cultural awareness training online take to complete?
This awareness-level course is designed to be highly accessible and efficient, typically taking approximately 15 minutes to complete. This short duration facilitates mandatory completion by all staff and allows for easy integration into induction and regular refresher cycles.
Is there an assessment to verify that employees have understood the core concepts of cultural sensitivity training?
Yes. To ensure the training serves as a genuine 'reasonable step' compliance defence, the course includes a short, mandatory assessment at the end. Employees must pass the assessment to receive certification, demonstrating they have absorbed the necessary knowledge on respectful behaviour.
How frequently should employees repeat the cultural awareness course?
It is recommended that employees complete a refresher every 1 to 2 years. This regularity ensures that the principles remain top-of-mind, reinforces the organisation's commitment to inclusion, and keeps employees updated on evolving cultural protocols and social awareness standards.
What certificate is provided upon successful completion of the training?
Upon successful completion of the course and passing the final assessment, the learner receives a verifiable Certificate of Completion. This dated document is crucial for the HR department's records, as it demonstrates that the organisation has fulfilled its duty to provide diversity and anti-discrimination training.
