Getting Uncomfortable: Let’s Talk About Harassment

Every individual deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported in both personal and professional environments. Actively fostering a culture of respect and inclusion within companies is crucial to achieving this goal.

In line with this, and in keeping with our core value of respect, we invited Animah Kosai to speak about harassment at our 2023 DEI Festival. This blog post summarizes the key takeaways from her session, "Getting Uncomfortable: Let's Talk About Harassment. The Bump, the Ouch, and the Oops.".

One of the most common misconceptions about harassment is that it is solely about sexual misconduct, and even then, the understanding is often superficial. While many recognize non-consensual touching with sexual intent as harassment, there are numerous grey areas that are frequently overlooked.

From Animah's experience investigating harassment reports, she found that many individuals focus on their intentions, clinging to the notion of "innocent until proven guilty." However, it's crucial to understand that harassment is about the impact on the other person, not our intent. By being mindful of how our actions and words may affect others, we can create a culture that values empathy and integration.

Firstly, acknowledging the impact of our words and actions is crucial when navigating uncomfortable situations. Actively listening to and acknowledging the feelings of those who have been hurt or offended is a critical first step. Genuine apologies and a willingness to reflect, learn, and grow from the experience can foster understanding and promote healing.Secondly, as leaders and colleagues, it is essential to intervene to address harmful behaviors and demonstrate solidarity with those affected. Setting clear expectations for respect and actively addressing inappropriate behaviors can create a culture of accountability and support, prioritizing the well-being of team members.

Lastly, creating a safe space where individuals feel comfortable expressing concerns and seeking support is paramount for any company. Encouraging open communication and providing multiple channels for reporting and addressing issues can empower individuals to speak up and seek resolution. This includes implementing anonymous reporting systems and accessible support networks.

Addressing uncomfortable situations and instances of harassment requires a collective effort to foster understanding, empathy, and accountability. By creating a culture that values open communication, empathy, and support, we can build healthier and more respectful communities where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered to speak up.

Lastly, it’s worth remembering that learning from uncomfortable situations is an ongoing journey. By engaging in discussions, seeking understanding, and showing empathy, we can collectively work towards creating safer and more inclusive environments for everyone.

Read more topics from the 2023 Adaptive Diversity and Inclusion Festival:

Animah Kosai speaks, writes, advises and trains leaders and organisations on creating healthy and inclusive workplace cultures with an ESG*, DEI** and UNGP*** emphasis. She is a UK-based Malaysian-British, and practiced law for 9 years in Malaysia, before joining the oil and gas industry as corporate counsel for 14 years.

Animah has given talks and training in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore, London and New York, as well as media interviews, on topics ranging from corruption and #MeToo to global corporate scandals.

In 2023, Animah co-founded The Speaking Up Network, a global online network (in alpha test) designed around the 17 UN SDGs embodying vibrant and healthy speak-up cultures.

*ESG - Environmental, Social and Governance.
**DEI - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
***UNGP - United Nations Guiding Principles.

Check out Animah's website