You’d think by 2024, we wouldn’t need a reminder on how to act like adults in the workplace. Yet, here we are, rolling out more legal obligations to enforce respect and decency at work. Why? Because despite years of anti-discrimination training and policies, the headlines are clear: workplace harassment, bullying, and toxic cultures are alive and well.
Did we forget these lessons during lockdown, or did we never learn them in the first place?
Let’s break it down.
In 2024, employers have a legal obligation to:
- Take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment—a concept that now extends beyond office walls in a 24/7 work environment.
- Identify and mitigate psychosocial risks in the workplace, making sure they’re not just preventing harm but creating environments where people feel psychologically safe.
- Ensure everyone at work is treated with basic respect.
Sounds like common sense, right? But recent scandals show us why these laws are not just necessary—they’re overdue.
Why Is This Still Happening?
You might wonder, Why are we still having these issues after all the training and policies in place? The short answer: change hasn’t fully taken root. Take the Swillhouse Group and Nine Entertainment Co as examples. These high-profile cases of systemic harassment and bullying are proof that too many workplaces still operate under old, toxic norms.
At A-HA, we know there are many good employers doing the right thing. But let’s be honest—they’re not the majority. Too many people still work in environments where toxic behaviors like sexual harassment and bullying are allowed to thrive.
Want a real-life example?
We recently worked with a company where it was completely normal to refer to senior women as “the girls,” dismiss a woman’s technical report without a second thought, and even offer “coaching” at a woman’s home. And no, this isn’t an episode of Mad Men. This is Australia in 2024.
The Ugly Truth: Workplace Disrespect Is Still Rife
Here’s what people are still dealing with in the workplace:
Sexualisation, dehumanisation, and exclusion.
Disgusting nicknames like ‘token-tits,’ ‘curry-muncher,’ or ‘diversity-hire.’
Harassment behind closed doors, in boardrooms, and in front of customers.
Yes, this is still happening. And we have to face it head-on if we’re going to create workplaces that are safe and respectful for everyone.
What Can Good Employers Do to Prevent This?
At A-HA, we know that building a healthy workplace requires more than lip service. It’s not about ticking boxes or scheduling one-off training sessions. You need a holistic, multi-level approach that focuses on both prevention and response.
Here’s where to start:
- Assess your culture from every angle: Conduct a thorough review of your current workplace culture. What’s working? What needs to change?
- Build a human-friendly environment: Your approach needs to be trauma-informed and designed with people at the center. Employees need to feel safe, supported, and respected.
- Consistency is key: Walking the talk sounds simple, but doing it consistently is what makes the difference. Remember, “the standards you walk past are the standards you set.” Hold everyone accountable—leaders especially.
By doing this, you won’t just avoid scandals—you’ll create a thriving workplace where people want to stay and contribute. And let’s face it—when your people thrive, so does your business.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If you want to avoid the mess that companies like Swillhouse and Nine Entertainment Co are dealing with, now’s the time to act. Start by reviewing your culture and behaviours. Are they sustainable? Are they aligned with modern standards of respect and inclusion? If not, it’s time to make changes.
As we’ve seen, companies that ignore these issues don’t just lose good people—they lose profit. People are standing up and saying “no more,” and businesses that don’t get with the program will suffer the consequences.
At A-HA, we believe that respect and success go hand in hand. By building a culture where people feel valued, you create a foundation for long-term success. It’s not complicated—it’s just good business.
Let’s Get to Work on Future-Proofing Your Workplace
If you’re ready to ensure your workplace is modern, sustainable, and future-proof, we’re here to help. Let’s dive in and make sure your workplace doesn’t become the next headline—but a model for others to follow.
Ready to Future-Proof Your Culture?
Talk to our experts today and start building a workplace that’s not just compliant—but thriving.
