The recent developments surrounding the popular film producer Harvey Weinstein took the world by a storm as allegation of serious misconduct came into light. Completely changing the way that many saw and associated Mr. Weinstein. There were three sides to this story, the one that came out with a blast from the many victims that spared no details of their experiences, the people who knew about these incidents yet held back their concerns, and finally the man responsible that denies of allegations of all non-consensual conduct. All media channels, especially the internet was filled with articles discussing the story at length with follow-ups of every recent update and finding. This was the start that marked the beginning of a #metoo campaign where people posted their encounters to stand against the actions that continued to happen every day to many all around the world. This was the gist of the incidents surrounding the campaign that created a tidal wave of posts that shook the world to its very core. Does this really happen around us without knowing? Are you a victim? Do I know people who have been through this? Should I talk about my experiences? Became thundering questions that kept popping up in our minds and in conversations. Putting a spot light on the hidden monsters that lurked around in the shadows, all around the universe for many decades. This does not just mean that it happens on our personal time, this is an experience that can be encountered even in a work environment. A dark and twisted area that many would not want to visit or talk about in a work context. Let’s dive in to the back alleys to see how things would be if #metoo was to be expressed at work.

Be prepared

Serious accusations that associate with misconduct can become a rather sensitive subject within the work place. Especially in the initial stages when the investigations are being carried out, where discretion is vital to proceed without harming the names of the people involved. Which is why it is important to have proper procedures, protocol and more importantly a system in place to handle the situations in the most appropriate manner. Know how to control the situation without it escalating out of hand or harming the people involved any further. Maintain a culture where the employees are given the freedom to talk and communicate their concerns freely without judgment and encourage them to voice out the discomforts or problems they may encounter without anyone knowing. A platform in place for employees to reach out to the responsible parties without fearing unnecessary exposure. Create a work environment that protects everyone regardless of gender or job level. It can only be a problem if you turn a blind eye to the things that are going around. So encourage those who may know to voice out their concerns without fear.

Be fair in judgment

Often issues get swept under the rug, simply because of the lack of evidence or that the responsible parties did not take the necessary measures to fix it. Although every Issue has a way of creeping up, no matter how hard many would try to bury it. A clear example being the one that was described above. The past has a way of catching up to those that try really hard to fight it. It is always important to be an organisation that protects the employees, providing them the opportunity to build their lives within the premises. In a place where a vast majority of an employee’s time is spent, security and reliability becomes key components of an employer. If the organisation values their reputation or a specific employee’s reputation over a serious issue, then it is no doubt that many would consider leaving that toxic relationship to join a place better suited. Not just leave, but bring down the name of the organisation with them as they bid farewell. Fair judgment and treatment may come with consequences that may cost in three folds, of time, effort and money but having in place a workplace that stands by their employees’ bring rewards in greater numbers. Designation, gender or even money should not factor in the process of justice, a rule applies to any and all involved regardless.

A hot topic much like this one, being discussed for a long period of time brings in many opinions and concerns out to the world from many different stand points. Although not many stop to think of the victims still afraid to come forward, pressurised to stay silent and worried about their lives. This could be the situation at a work place, and this could be happening for a while without anyone knowing or worse many knowing but not willing to expose. As an organisation it is of great importance to be one step ahead before you are forced to make a move. The reality is that many wait until things get worse to make it better, without thinking ahead to avoid it from ever happening. It is not only for a specific gender that this may apply to, not just women or men, it is to all working together to make the workplace a safer place to one another. It takes seconds to build and even shatter the success gained, but a longstanding one is built on the hearts, minds and words of the people involved in the process.