Karen Maher recently appeared on the Future Fit Leadership podcast, hosted by Sadhana Smiles. This podcast is dedicated to empowering both emerging and experienced leaders to navigate and thrive in the dynamic world of leadership.

In this 45 minute episode, Karen delved into the crucial importance of creating safe and inclusive workplaces. She drew from her extensive experience and personal journey to emphasise the vital role leadership plays in cultivating a positive and supportive organisational culture.

A Personal Journey Towards Advocacy

Karen’s passion for workplace safety isn’t just professional—it’s personal. Early in her career, she faced the harrowing challenges of workplace harassment and bullying. These experiences became the catalyst for her mission to ensure that every employee operates in an environment where they feel safe, valued, and empowered to contribute their best.

Leadership: The Cornerstone of Workplace Culture

Leaders are the architects of organisational culture. Their actions, decisions, and interactions set the tone for the entire workforce. Karen emphasises the critical role of leadership in setting the tone and modeling desired behaviours.

Through compelling success stories, Karen illustrates how organisations have transformed their cultures by prioritising respect, continuous education, and promoting a robust speak-up culture. These narratives serve as blueprints for leaders aiming to instigate meaningful change.

Psychosocial Safety: Beyond Physical Well-being

Karen Maher highlights the profound impact that poor workplace behaviors, such as bullying and harassment, can have not only on individuals but also on the broader organisation. She introduces the concept of “psychosocial safety,” emphasising the importance of safeguarding employees’ mental and emotional well-being, in addition to being physically safe.

Understanding Impact Over Intent

Karen challenges the common misconception that the intent behind actions matters more than the actual impact of the behaviour. She stresses that organisations must recognise the harm caused by detrimental behaviors and take responsibility for addressing them proactively, before they become entrenched or cause significant damage.

Organisations have a duty of care to address workplace issues proactively rather than reactively. Taking early, decisive action to prevent and address issues such as bullying, harassment, and unsafe practices is essential for preventing problems from escalating and protecting the well-being of employees within the workplace.

Implementing Effective Policies and Support Systems

Recognising the difficulties employees may face in reporting issues, Karen emphasises the need for accessible and confidential reporting mechanisms. Maher advocates for the development and implementation of clear anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies.  These policies should include precise definitions, robust reporting frameworks, and strong support systems for affected employees.

Embracing the Future of Leadership

In a world where traditional leadership models are continually being redefined, Karen’s insights offer a roadmap for organisations aspiring to be future-ready. By placing safety, inclusivity, and proactive leadership at the forefront, businesses can not only enhance workplace culture but also drive unparalleled growth and success.

Looking to the future, Maher anticipates increased regulatory scrutiny and prosecution of organisations 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.

Listen to the full episode of the Future Fit Leadership podcast with Karen Maher to gain deeper insights into building safe, inclusive and high-performing work environments.