Karen Maher, an expert in workplace safety and culture, discusses the critical importance of building safe and inclusive workplaces. Maher shares her background, having experienced workplace harassment and bullying early in her career, which motivated her to specialise in this field.

Maher emphasises that the impact of poor workplace behaviors, such as bullying and harassment, can be devastating, both for the individuals directly affected as well as the broader organization. She highlights common misconceptions, such as the belief that intent matters more than the actual impact of the behavior. Maher stresses that organizations have a duty of care to address these issues proactively, rather than reactively.

The discussion covers the concept of "psychosocial safety" - the need to ensure not just physical safety, but also psychological safety in the workplace. Maher outlines key elements that organizations should consider when developing anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies, such as clear definitions, reporting mechanisms, and support systems for affected employees.

Maher also emphasizes the critical role of leadership in setting the tone and modeling the desired behaviors. She shares success stories of organizations that have transformed their cultures by prioritizing respect, education, and a strong speak-up culture.

Looking to the future, Maher anticipates increased regulatory scrutiny and prosecution of organizations that fail to provide safe workplaces, particularly around psychosocial hazards. She encourages businesses to be proactive in addressing these issues, rather than waiting for something to go wrong.

Overall, the interview highlights the significant impact that workplace bullying and harassment can have, and the importance of organizations taking a comprehensive, preventative approach to building safe, inclusive, and high-performing work environments.

To find out more https://www.karenmaher.com.au/