Course Description

This 1-day interactive workshop has been designed to help participants and teams recognise and appreciate cultural differences in the workplace. The workshop will help delegates form an understanding of how best to acknowledge different perspectives, and how to use these to enrich the work environment.

The session will specifically consider cultural differences from an ethnic perspective and offer advice to foreign born colleagues on working practices, social norms, etc. when interacting with UK born team members. It will also provide UK born colleagues with an awareness of what others find difficult when using English as a second language and other non-obvious language barriers. The workshop will also highlight working styles within different cultures and how best to navigate these.

We can also adapt content to meet with specific guidelines, policies and cultures in any organisation.

Target Student

• Individuals working in multicultural environments
• Teams with diverse cultural backgrounds
• Foreign-born professionals working in the UK
• UK-born professionals working with international colleagues
• Managers and team leaders in diverse organizations

Prerequisites

No specific prerequisites are required. The course is suitable for professionals at all levels who wish to improve their cultural awareness and intercultural communication skills in the workplace.

Delivery Method

The course can be delivered either:

• Face-to-face in a classroom setting
• Virtually using Microsoft Teams

We will include theories, principles, breakout groups, exercises and case studies, all encouraging delegates to share and reflect on how an awareness of British and other work cultures can help navigate the workplace more effectively and build strong relationships.

The session can be attended as an individual or as a working team, where we will include team actions and commitments as well as personal actions at the end of the session.

Course Overview

During the session we’ll cover:

• What is Culture and what do we observe in our organisation?
• Specific areas to consider in building strong and effective working relationships:
• Communicating in the workplace
• The importance of work/life balance
• The impact of hierarchy and structure
• Professional behaviour and conduct
• Meetings and Decision-Making
• Feedback and Performance
• Strategies to overcome challenges
• Practical application through exercises and case studies
• Personal and team actions

Course Content

Welcome and Objectives

Introduction

• Introductions including name, role, what’s important to them, what they want to get from the session.
• 3 words that describe the culture they are working in. (Post-its/flipchart exercise if onsite)

My Culture v the Culture Here

Interactive cultural self-reflection exercise

• Defining and observing organisational culture

Communication Style

Interactive exercises and discussions to explore and include:

• Language Barriers
• Communication difficulties and misunderstandings due to accents, idioms, or different levels of language proficiency
• Confidence speaking in a non-native language especially in meetings or presentations
• Politeness and Indirectness
• Using humour
• Small talk
• Active listening
• Email etiquette

Work-Life Balance

Interactive exercises and discussions to explore and include:

• Importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance including flexible working hours and remote work options
• Holidays: Employees typically receive generous holiday allowances, and taking time off is encouraged
• Adjusting to a new country, culture, and possibly family relocation
• Feeling Isolated when far from family and familiar support networks
• Lack of Support

Hierarchy and Structure

Interactive exercises and discussions to explore and include:

• Flat Hierarchies: Many UK workplaces have relatively flat hierarchies. It’s common to address colleagues and even senior managers by their first names.
• Collaboration: Teamwork and collaboration are highly valued. Open communication and sharing ideas are encouraged.

Cultural Differences

Interactive exercises and discussions to explore and include:

• Workplace Norms: Different expectations around hierarchy, decision-making, and work-life balance can be confusing.
• Social Integration: Building relationships with colleagues can be challenging due to different social customs and practices.

Professionalism and Conduct

Interactive exercises and discussions to explore and include:

• Punctuality: Being on time for meetings and appointments is important. It shows respect for others’ time.
• Dress Code

Legal and Administrative Issues

• Visa and Work Permits: Managing visa status and work permits can be stressful and time-consuming.
• Legal Rights: Understanding employment rights and protections in a new country can be complex.

Meetings and Decision-Making

Interactive exercises and discussions to explore and include:

• Structured Meetings: Meetings are usually well-structured and follow an agenda. Punctuality and preparation are expected.
• Participating in meetings
• Consensus Building: Decision-making often involves building consensus and considering different viewpoints.

Social Interactions

Interactive exercises and discussions to explore and include:

• Small Talk: Engaging in small talk about the weather, sports, or weekend plans is common and helps build relationships.
• Participating in social events

Bias and Discrimination

• Unconscious Bias: Colleagues may have unconscious biases that affect interactions and opportunities.
• Discrimination: In some cases, foreign-born professionals may face overt discrimination or exclusion.

Feedback and Performance

Interactive exercises and discussions to explore and include:

Professional Recognition

• Credential Recognition: Qualifications and experience from other countries may not be fully recognized or valued.
• Career Advancement: Navigating the promotion and career development processes can be more difficult.
• Performance reviews
• Giving & Receiving feedback

Strategies to overcome challenges

• Language Training: Invest in language courses or practice with colleagues.
• Cultural Awareness: Learn about the local culture and workplace norms.
• Networking: Build a professional network both within and outside the workplace.
• Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance and support.
• Know Your Rights: Educate yourself about your legal rights and workplace protections.
• Professional Development: Pursue additional qualifications or training to enhance your credentials.

Practical application

• Scenarios, case studies or role play in trios

Personal actions and further development

• In pairs, discuss what they have taken from today’s workshop.
• Individuals share 1 specific action they have taken from the session.

Questions, feedback & close

• Final questions, feedback on session.
• Close.