When most people think of compliance training, they picture boring, mandatory sessions designed to check a box—something to endure, not something that benefits the workplace. But that narrow view misses the bigger picture.

Compliance training isn’t just about meeting legal requirements. Done right, it’s a powerful tool to shape a company’s culture, creating a safer, more ethical, and more inclusive environment where employees feel heard, valued, and empowered. It opens the door for meaningful conversations and helps build trust—something every organization needs to thrive.

Sunny McCall, Senior Director of Compliance Training at TRACE, puts it best: “Every training is a touchpoint. From required curriculum to refresher courses and ongoing communications — [compliance training] serves as an opportunity to reiterate ethical values and create open channels of communication around challenging topics.”

Without this consistent focus, organizations risk becoming reactive rather than proactive—especially when only 54% of employees report workplace misconduct, according to a Gartner survey.

Let’s explore five compliance training programs that go beyond the basics and contribute directly to a healthy, psychologically safe company culture.

1. Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Training

Harassment in the workplace isn’t always loud or obvious. Subtle behaviors—like assigning note-taking duties to the only woman in the room or constantly touching a colleague “for emphasis”—can have real consequences.

Elizabeth Bille, SVP of Workplace Culture at EVERFI, highlights that many traditional trainings focus on extreme, clear-cut examples. But effective training addresses the gray areas—the nuanced actions that might be well-intentioned but still harmful.

Employees should be equipped to recognize these behaviors, understand their impact, and speak up. Bystander intervention training, endorsed by the EEOC, is especially effective. And modern formats like storytelling, role-play, and peer discussions make these topics more relatable and easier to engage with.

2. Code of Conduct Training

Culture begins with shared values—and those values should be clear from day one. Code of conduct training sets expectations for ethical behavior, respectful communication, and workplace professionalism.

Harper Wells, Chief Compliance Officer at Learning Pool, notes that this kind of training offers a structured opportunity to communicate what the company stands for. And it doesn’t have to be formal. One-pagers, memes, and brief updates in newsletters can help reinforce these messages in a memorable way.

Sunny McCall also recommends weaving ethics into ongoing company touchpoints—making it part of the daily rhythm, not just a once-a-year event.

3. Cultural Competency Training

In today’s global world, cultural awareness isn’t optional—it’s essential. Cultural competency training helps employees understand and appreciate differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, and more. It promotes inclusive behavior both within the team and with customers or vendors.

This kind of training helps employees recognize and manage implicit biases that can affect decision-making and team dynamics. The format can include blended learning approaches like video modules, eLearning, and real-time peer discussions.

“Effective compliance training must meet the learner where they are,” McCall says. Visuals, relatable examples, and short-form content make training more engaging and impactful.

4. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Training

Cyber threats are no longer just an IT issue—they’re a business-wide risk. As attacks become more frequent and sophisticated, it’s critical that all employees know how to identify phishing, handle sensitive data, and respond to incidents.

A McAfee report revealed that 81% of organizations saw a spike in cyber threats during the pandemic. Ignoring this reality puts companies and their stakeholders at serious risk.

Training that demystifies cybersecurity helps employees stay alert and shows that the organization takes digital safety seriously. It also supports a culture of accountability and awareness.

5. Workplace Violence Prevention Training

Workplace violence is a growing concern across industries—not just healthcare. From customer aggression to internal conflict, organizations need to be prepared.

According to the CDC, more than 1.3 million nonfatal workplace violent incidents occur each year. Training can teach employees how to spot red flags, de-escalate tense situations, and react appropriately during emergencies.

“Training is critical for preventing harm,” says Bille. “Waiting until something happens is not a strategy.” Prevention starts with awareness and preparation.

Embedding Compliance into Culture

Learning and development (L&D) professionals are uniquely positioned to influence company culture. When compliance training is integrated into the everyday flow—not just treated as a requirement—it sends a message: We care about integrity, safety, and respect.

The result? A workplace where employees feel empowered, protected, and aligned with the company’s mission and values.

By investing in meaningful compliance training, organizations not only reduce risk—they build a stronger, more resilient culture.