Building Positive Habits Facilitator Guide Building Positive Workplace Habits Facilitator Guide
A 90-Minute Professional Development Session
Duration 90 MIN
Punctuality
Communication
Feedback
Hygiene
Instructional Plan
01
Introduction & Career Objectives (10 Min)
Slide 1-3. Setting the stage for career success. Watch Intro Video.
02
Attendance & Punctuality Standards (20 Min)
Slide 4-7. Discussion on arrival standards and the "5-Minute Rule." Practice transit planning and late-call scenarios.
03
Professional Communication (20 Min)
Slide 8-11. The "Work Voice" vs. "Casual Voice." Scenario roleplay using card pack.
04
The Feedback Loop (20 Min)
Slide 12-16. Responding to performance correction professionally. Watch soft skills video.
05
Hygiene & Presentation (20 Min)
Slide 17-24. Dress code sorting and daily readiness checklist completion.
Key Resources
Workplace Habits Slides
Student Habits Workbook
Professional Roleplay Cards
8 Video Case Studies
Teaching Philosophy
"Focus on direct, concrete application. Adult learners with IDD thrive when clear professional expectations are paired with immediate practice and visual modeling."
Professional Facilitation Strategies
The Feedback Sandwich
When students practice roleplay, give feedback in three parts: something they did well, one specific correction, and a positive closing encouragement.
Modeling the "Work Voice"
Consistently use your "Professional Voice" during the training. Students will mirror your tone, volume, and formality level.
Module 1: Attendance & Punctuality
Discussion Focus
"Why does the boss care if I am 5 minutes late?"
Help students understand that work is a team activity. If one person is late, the others have to work harder. Punctuality is a sign of teamwork.
Skill Practice
The Transit Plan
"If you start work at 8:00 AM, what time should you walk through the door? What bus will you need to take?"
Module 2: Professional Communication
Key Concept
Greetings & Leave-Taking
Practice the "Professional Sandwich": A greeting in the morning, a request/update in the middle, and a polite goodbye at the end of the shift.
Prompt 1:
"Ask a supervisor for a 15-minute break."
Prompt 2:
"Tell a coworker you are finished with a task."
Feedback Loop Roleplay Cards Professional Standards Roleplay
Career Performance Case Studies (Part 1)
Attendance Update
Case Scenario:
"An emergency situation has occurred. You will arrive 20 minutes past your scheduled start time."
Preparation:
Supervisor:
Your Name:
Professional Script:
"Hello, this is my update. I am calling to inform you I will be 20 minutes late due to an emergency. I apologize for the delay and will be there as soon as possible."
Competency: Time Management
Performance Feedback
Case Scenario:
"Your supervisor has noted that your workspace needs to be organized differently for efficiency."
Preparation:
Supervisor:
Professional Script:
"Thank you for that feedback. I understand the new organization plan and will update my workspace right now. Is there anything else I should adjust?"
Competency: Growth Mindset
Professional Standards Roleplay
Career Performance Case Studies (Part 2)
Task Clarification
Case Scenario:
"You were given instructions for a new task, but you are unsure which supply cabinet to use."
Preparation:
Supervisor:
Professional Script:
"Excuse me. I am ready to begin the task, but could you please show me which supply cabinet I should use? I want to make sure I have the correct materials."
Competency: Communication
Client Interaction
Case Scenario:
"A client has entered the building. It is your responsibility to represent the company professionally."
Preparation:
Company:
Your Name:
Professional Script:
"Good morning. Welcome to our company. My name is _________________. How may I assist you today?"
Competency: Professionalism
Workplace Standards Group Check Workplace Standards
Group Knowledge Check
Team Members:
1
The Punctuality Test
The Scenario
The bus is running late. You realize you will be 15 minutes late for your shift. What should your team do?
A. Run into work and hope nobody notices you are late.
B. Call your supervisor immediately and explain the situation.
C. Send a text message to a coworker and ask them to clock you in.
2
Professional Communication
Discuss as a group: Which "Work Voice" greeting is professional?
"Hey you! What's up?"
Choice A
"Good morning, supervisor."
Choice B
Write one other professional phrase your group uses at work:
3
The Feedback Loop
The Scenario
Your boss tells you that you missed a spot while cleaning. They ask you to do it again. How does a professional respond?
"I already cleaned it, you just didn't see it."
"Okay, thank you for the feedback. I'll fix it now."
"I am not going to do that again."
4
Rapid Fire Standards
Circle TRUE or FALSE for each workplace standard:
1. It is professional to wear clean clothes to work every day.
TRUE
FALSE
2. Using "Work Voice" means being polite to customers and coworkers.
TRUE
FALSE
3. It is okay to be late if you have a good excuse.
TRUE
FALSE
Team Reflection
What is one habit our team will work on together this week?
Positive Workplace Habits Presentation Positive Workplace Habits
Professional Development for Career Success
Professionalism
Punctuality
Communication
Core Competencies
Time Management
Mastering attendance and punctuality standards.
Effective Communication
Navigating professional interactions with supervisors.
Feedback Utilization
Responding to performance reviews and guidance.
Professional Image
Adhering to workplace hygiene and dress codes.
Overview: Professionalism in the Workplace
Embedded media
Attendance & Punctuality
Module 1
"Punctuality is a sign of respect."
Arriving on time shows your employer and coworkers that you are reliable and value their time.
Key Standards
Arrive 10-15 minutes before your shift.
Notify your supervisor immediately of emergencies.
Action Plan
Check transit schedules nightly.
Set multiple alarms.
The 5-Minute Rule
If you are not 5 minutes early, you are late.
Workplace Foundations: Being on Time
Embedded media
Roleplay Scenario 1
An emergency has occurred. You will arrive 20 minutes past your start time.
"How do you inform your supervisor?"
Suggested Script
"Hello [Supervisor's Name], this is [My Name]. I am calling to inform you I will be 20 minutes late due to an emergency. I apologize for the delay and will be there as soon as possible."
Professional Communication
Module 2
Verbal Clarity
Professional interactions require a specific tone. Use clear language and avoid slang.
Non-Verbal Cues
Active listening stance
Eye contact
The "Work Voice"
Adapt your speech to your work environment. Use professional greetings every day.
Effective Communication Strategies
Embedded media
Roleplay Scenario 2
You were given instructions for a new task, but you are unsure which supply cabinet to use.
