In most cases, training is either technical or behavioural. However, there are also trainings that don’t fall under either of these categories. These are categorised as special training programs and are conducted with an agenda of improving the process of work within the organisation.

A diverse work culture can both be a blessing and a challenge for the organisation. It is a blessing because it brings new and a varied range of perspectives which lead to creativity and innovation. However, it is equally challenging because it makes the process of team building a task. Multinational corporations across the world are known for employing a workforce which includes people of all races, creeds and colour. Many such companies have reported problems of racism. Organisations within the Asian subcontinent have similarly reported issues of sexual harassment of workers. While many such sensitive issues spring up from time to time, the only solution is to bring awareness and shed light on these issues with the help of training.

Below are a few examples of trainings that are neither behavioural nor technical and fall under the category of Special Training Programs.

• Diversity Awareness Training – Managing a diverse workforce is one of the pressing challenges in the 21st century. Organisations are dealing with claims from workers of different colour, immigrants, and various ethnic groups, gays and lesbians for harassment at the workplace. Therefore the need to address the values of various employee groups in an attempt to avoid conflict has become more critical than ever. These issues can be resolved by providing an appropriate training intervention. Diversity awareness training is a must in today’s day and age and is useful in increasing the competitiveness and the general competencies of the organisation. Many firms today welcome diversity and have accepted it as a means of surviving. And, the ones that haven’t opened their doors to a diverse culture are facing charges of discrimination.
• Sexual Harassment Training – Almost all types of companies, regardless of the kind of business they are into or the industry they operate in, receive complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace. While in developing countries these complaints are often unreported and are ignored even when a voice is raised, in developed economies where the workforce is progressive, when sexual harassment at the workplace is reported, it results in severe legal action. Thus, sexual harassment training at the workplace is necessary. Although, most organisations have policies on sexual harassment, but since these are not communicated, their effect is reduced. During sexual harassment trainings, these policies are voiced, and participants are taught about their rights and the tact of reporting such cases.
• Creative Training – Organisations today want to stand out and therefore want innovation and creativity to flow through their workforce. Thus, organisations are encouraging brainstorming sessions and experiential learning to make employees think ‘outside the box’, thereby giving rise to a creative spirit within their team.

Special training programs are flexible and can be customised based on an organisation’s personal needs. Therefore, if an organization feels that their employees’ need a type of training that hasn’t been conducted before, it can surely be customized with the help of professionals.

We at Challenging Horizons specialize in creating customized training programs to suit your requirements. Get in touch with us for more details.