Interpersonal skills workshops teach what most people were never formally taught: how to listen without planning a reply, give feedback that lands, stay calm in a tense conversation and speak up in a meeting. Formats range from improv nights to structured courses on conflict and negotiation. Employers include them in LSAs because these skills help at work and at home, and people can pick a format that suits them.
Communication and people-skills courses that often qualify
Plans typically cover class fees and the materials needed to take part. Online and in-person formats are both common.
- Improv classes for confidence and quick thinking
- Public speaking clubs and speaking courses
- Workshops on difficult conversations and conflict
- Active listening and feedback courses
- Negotiation classes for everyday situations
- Assertiveness and boundary-setting workshops
- Workbooks and materials required for these programs
For the wider list of categories employers tend to include, see our guide to LSA eligible expenses.
How employers limit interpersonal skills spending
- Courses required for someone's current role are often paid from the training or L&D budget rather than the LSA.
- Executive coaching arranged by the company is usually paid centrally.
- Couples counseling or therapy for relationship issues belongs with the EAP or health plan.
- Degree programs and credit-bearing courses may fall under tuition assistance instead.
- Conference-style events with only a small workshop component may be excluded or capped.
Who takes interpersonal skills workshops
Newly promoted managers who suddenly have to give feedback often look for a course outside company training. Introverted employees use improv or speaking clubs to feel more at ease in meetings. People who moved from another country take communication classes to adjust to different workplace norms. Plenty of employees sign up for reasons that have nothing to do with work, like getting along better with a teenager or keeping family conversations calmer. Others want to handle a disagreement with a neighbor or landlord without it getting heated. Many employers pair it with broader programs, such as professional development stipends.
Designing an interpersonal skills category
Separate chosen growth from required training
Make the LSA the place for skills people choose, and keep mandatory manager training in the L&D budget. Both programs stay clearer that way.
Count informal formats
Improv, speaking clubs and community classes are how many people build these skills. Including them makes the category feel personal rather than corporate. Many are also cheaper than formal courses.
Keep therapy out
These courses can touch on emotional topics, but they aren't counseling. Pointing people to the EAP for that keeps expectations right.
Frequently asked questions
Can an LSA pay for a communication or interpersonal skills workshop?
Many employers include these workshops under emotional wellbeing or personal growth. Your plan decides which courses qualify and whether job-required training is handled elsewhere. Online courses are often included alongside in-person workshops.
Do improv classes count?
They often do when the plan covers personal development or confidence-building courses. Some employers list improv specifically so employees know it's allowed. A speaking club with annual dues usually fits the same way.
How is this different from our training budget?
Training budgets usually pay for skills tied to someone's current job, often chosen by the company. An LSA tends to cover courses employees choose for themselves. Some plans also allow a personal course that the training budget wouldn't cover.
Can I take a course to communicate better with my partner?
A general communication workshop may qualify, depending on your plan. Couples counseling is clinical care and usually belongs with the EAP or health plan.
Tax treatment depends on the plan and location; our guide explains how LSA reimbursements are taxed.
This content is general information, not medical, legal, tax, or financial advice. Employer plan terms determine eligibility, and requirements may vary by location.
