Sensitivity Training as Workplace Restoration
When colleagues work closely together, assumptions can form, boundaries may blur, and patterns of communication develop over time. In many instances, this closeness supports positive collaboration and trust. However, in other instances, it can lead to misunderstandings, inappropriate behaviour, and actions that cause the working relationship between colleagues to deteriorate.
When this occurs, people may not intend to cause damage, but it is important to understand that intent is not what matters. What does matter, is, the impact and harm the damage causes other employees and the organization.
This is where workplace restoration plays such an important role. Not as a punitive response or a one-time training situation, but as a thoughtful and practical way to address harm, support accountability, and create meaningful behavioural change.
Workplace restoration is the intentional practice of rebuilding trust, addressing harm, and restoring healthy working relationships post conflict, disruption, or misconduct.
Rather than focusing on fault, policy breaches, or findings of inappropriate workplace conduct or conflict, restoration asks a more practical question:
What is needed to create a psychologically safe, functional, and respectful workplace going forward?
This approach recognizes that workplace issues often stem from individual actions within broader systems. While findings of inappropriate workplace conduct or conflict may clarify what occurred, organizations are frequently left asking how to support behavioural change moving forward.
At HR Proactive Inc., our training is intentionally focused on the individual. We specialize in One-to-One sensitivity training as a restorative response when an individual has caused harm, raised concerns, or requires corrective action. This approach allows for focused accountability, privacy, confidentiality, and meaningful learning without placing additional strain on teams or requiring facilitated group processes.
This work focuses on dignity, learning, and responsibility. It allows individuals to understand the impact of their actions, reflect on expectations, and move forward with clear professional accountability.
One-to-One sensitivity training is particularly appropriate and helpful after a workplace complaint and subsequent investigation. It is a clear alternative to initiating the discipline process, including termination, which may come with a higher financial burden to the organization. It allows for growth if the organization is seeking corrective action that is fair and proportional for all involved.
Effective One-to-One sensitivity training begins with listening. Understanding context and perspective creates the conditions for accountability to take hold.
Resistance or discomfort is common in these situations and does not signal unwillingness to change. A restorative One-to-One approach allows space for reflection rather than defensiveness.
One of the most overlooked aspects of workplace conflict is dignity. One-to-One sensitivity training protects dignity, and requires accountability. This is why it is often more effective than traditional punitive measures.
This restorative approach also honours the spirit of an employer’s obligation to provide a safe workplace. It moves beyond compliance to address what employees actually need in order to work together productively after harm has occurred.
In addition to our One-to-One services, HR Proactive Inc. also provides instructor led and online sensitivity training to support organizations in reinforcing the importance of a respectful workplace.
Organizations seeking a restorative and effective solution to workplace conflict and inappropriate workplace conduct, are invited to contact HR Proactive Inc., to explore our One-to-One sensitivity training options or broader training solutions through Sensitivity E Learning.com.
