As the year winds down, many organisations are busy ticking off compliance tasks. Yet, when it comes to meaningful action, actual change in the workplace requires more than just meeting deadlines—it demands courage, honesty, and an unwavering commitment to creating safe and inclusive environments.
About the Author
Vishal Bhasin is a workplace transformation specialist with extensive experience in POSH sensitisation initiatives. Known for his compelling storytelling and ability to inspire action, Vishal brings unique perspectives on leadership and inclusion. This is yet another compelling article by Vishal Bhasin for Changeincontent, reinforcing his commitment to creating safer, more equitable workspaces.
The setting: Reflecting on courage and commitment
We are in a time that demands attention to detail and precision. For those of us involved in facilitating such initiatives, it means a whirlwind of travel and long hours. Perhaps that is why it took me some time to sit down and reflect on a recent experience. But what better setting to write than now—nestled in a quaint Sikkim coffee shop, sipping a perfectly brewed cup of coffee and gazing at the breathtakingly beautiful valley below.
The tranquillity of the moment made it ideal for contemplation. As I looked back on the past month, one assignment stood out to me. It wasn’t just any assignment; it was a series of POSH sensitisation workshops conducted for the senior leadership of a multinational corporation.
But here is the exciting part—it wasn’t the training itself or my role in it that made this experience remarkable. Instead, it was the intent, sheer determination, and unwavering commitment of the people behind these sessions that genuinely made it extraordinary. This assignment was driven by the passionate efforts of a core HR duo—two individuals who laid a powerful foundation for change.
An extraordinary assignment bringing change in the workplace
Today, it’s relatively easy to announce mandatory workshops and ensure attendance—most organisations do that. But what makes a real difference is having the courage to call a spade a spade. What makes a difference is speaking candidly about uncomfortable truths and breaking the silence that often surrounds issues of harassment.
The collaboration with this HR team was exceptional. It involved countless planning calls, an undeniable commitment to getting things right, and a genuine willingness to dive deep. There was a level of transparency and honesty that was both rare and refreshing. Together, we co-created scenarios for the sessions—scenarios that drew from real-life incidents while maintaining confidentiality. The idea was to lend authenticity to the discussions that would follow.
Calling out harassment: The first step toward change in the workplace
What happened next was nothing short of amazing. The HR duo—the true superheroes of this story—led by example. They ensured their presence at every single location. That set the tone for each session and made sure participants understood why this mattered and why it was necessary.
Think about it—how often do senior leaders acknowledge that harassment could be a problem in their own organisation? How frequently do they challenge the status quo of “everything is fine here”? Far too often, there is a tendency to stay in a comfort zone, a belief that “these things don’t happen here.” But not this time. It was time to shatter the illusion.
Facing denial: The challenge of breaking silence
We began our workshops by sharing case examples with the participants—real scenarios that had taken place within corporate settings. The reactions were almost predictable at first—disbelief, shock, murmurs of, “Oh my God, do these things really happen in corporate spaces?”
The power of acceptance
But here’s where the magic unfolded: the HR leader stepped forward and, with immense courage, said, “These cases have happened here. Maybe not at this specific location, but within our organisation. These incidents were reported here.” It was a moment that transformed the room. It takes tremendous courage to acknowledge that “No one killed Jessica” is a myth—because, in reality, Jessica was shot, and someone in that room pulled the trigger. Likewise, it takes immense courage to admit that harassment is not someone else’s problem. It is not something that happens “somewhere else”—it is here, it is real, and it is impacting people in our workplace.
We presented scenarios covering a wide range of uncomfortable yet real issues—everything from inappropriate touching on the dance floor at an office party to verbal sexual comments made under the influence of alcohol, to quid pro quo situations, inappropriate remarks on someone’s attire or tattoos, and prolonged, uncomfortable staring. It wasn’t easy for the participants to digest these examples. The initial response was almost always denial—“Surely, not here!” But that’s precisely why we were there—to break the silence, to hold a mirror up to reality, and to show them that these incidents did happen, and they happened right here.
Turning a blind eye
How many times do we turn a blind eye, choosing to believe that harassment only exists elsewhere? How often do we comfort ourselves with the false belief that our workplace is immune? These are the questions we must all ask ourselves. It’s time to stop playing cat and pigeon and stop hiding from uncomfortable truths. We need to face the facts, be honest, and accept that harassment can happen anywhere—even in places we think are safe. Acceptance is the cornerstone of effective change.
If we don’t acknowledge a problem, how can we ever hope to solve it? If we fail to diagnose the issue, how can we ever begin treatment? It is only through recognition that we pave the way for effective action.
Courageous leadership: A catalyst for change in the workplace
The courage displayed by this HR team was nothing short of inspiring. They weren’t interested in just ticking boxes on a compliance checklist. They were willing to confront the truth, put themselves out there, and push for real change. Seeing leaders who were willing to step outside their comfort zones, acknowledge the problem, and take responsibility for creating change—that’s the kind of leadership that makes a difference. It’s the kind of leadership that fosters a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
Inspiring a collective commitment
In my next article, I plan to explore the ways and means of conducting a sexual harassment risk assessment—how do we identify vulnerabilities before they become incidents? How do we ensure that we are prepared rather than caught off guard? It’s better to be proactive than reactive. I would have loved to name the incredible HR team and the organisation behind this remarkable journey, but my ethics don’t allow me to disclose identities.
Conclusion: Building a safer future
For now, I hope that this story serves as a source of inspiration for others. It is not just about compliance. It’s about courage, honesty, and the collective commitment to make our workplaces safer for everyone.
Together, we can—and must—break the silence and bring change in the workplace. We have to build workplaces that are genuinely respectful, free from harassment, and conducive to growth for everyone. The journey may not be easy, but it is worth every step, and it starts with each of us choosing to speak up, listen, and act.
So, I leave you with a question—what kind of workplace do you want to create? One where we turn a blind eye to uncomfortable truths, or one where we confront them head-on, no matter how difficult? The choice is ours, and the time to act is now.
Let us create environments where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves. Let us be the change we wish to see in our workplaces.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
