Are you being gaslit?

Have you ever questioned a person’s behaviour and been labelled “too sensitive” or accused of “seeing things”? Has your recollection of events been challenged even though you’re certain you’re right? If yes, then you may be being gaslit. This form of psychological manipulation, which can set off such an unsettling internal tug of war that […]

Back to basics: When no means no!

It seems almost preposterous to have to explain what the word “no” means, but headlines in recent days have proved that what constitutes consent remains a grey area. Sexual harassment has been thrown back into the spotlight due to the allegations of abuse made against comedian and TV personality Russell Brand, which he firmly denies […]

What is intersectionality? And why is it important?

Intersectionality is a term that encourages an appreciation and recognition of the multi-faceted nature of the human identity and individual lived experiences. In short, we are not all one and the same. Who we are, how we experience the world, and the challenges we face are unique. It is this appreciation of difference that leads […]

Don’t stay mum on your maternity leave policy

After a wave of calls to increase hybrid and flexible working options post-pandemic, it’s hard to believe that maternity leave is still a taboo topic. There have been many strides forward in the working world regarding maternity leave policy and benefits, however it appears this is one area where many employers are “staying mum” which can […]

Flirting vs sexual harassment

A roguish smile. A hand lightly brushing your shoulder. A playful text message. From the right person at the right time, flirting can feel great. But when this attention is uninvited, that look, that touch, that text can make you feel uncomfortable. Humans are inclined to accept invitations of connection. It’s a survival instinct of […]

Dealing with workplace bullying: A guide for HR professionals and managers

Employers have a legal duty of care to protect their employees from harm, including dealing with workplace bullying head on. As outlined in my previous blog, sustained bullying can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, including physical and mental health risks. At Tell Jane, we’re not just on a mission to […]

What is Active Bystander Intervention?

Active bystander intervention involves being an agent for positive change in your workplace – and in the wider community. It is a strategy that encourages and empowers employees to step forward, take positive action and intervene when they witness potentially harmful or inappropriate behaviour, in order to prevent escalation of the situation or harm to […]

How to deal with bullying at work: A guide for employees

Bullying at work is a real and present issue in UK.  And, worryingly, it doesn’t appear to be going away. In December 2023, a YouGov poll revealed one in five Britons (21%) had experienced bullying in adulthood, with the most common source of adulthood bullying being the workplace. Not only does bullying appear to be […]

Dial back on dialect discrimination

More and more people than ever are speaking English; it’s become a dominant language in business, science and politics. As technology advances and our forms of communication evolve alongside I – for example, the increased use of online working since the pandemic – we have the ability to connect across borders more easily, bringing more […]

Term-time contracts: Should you be offering them?

With extremely high childcare fees and many grandparents still working due to increases in retirement age and the cost of living, working parents often have a difficult decision to make. Do they stay in work and pay for childcare, or leave the workforce? Realistically, the only way that both parents can stay in employment is […]

How to overcome bias in workplace investigations

The key to effective workplace investigations – one that reaches the best outcome for all parties involved – is trust, impartiality and fairness. But, bias can unintentionally (and, indeed in some instances, intentionally) seep into a workplace investigation, compromising its integrity. As organisations and their people strive for unbiased and objective outcomes, it is essential […]

Lend an ear: The importance of employee voice

Effective workplace communications are a two-way street. As well as directing a team, leaders need to invite feedback and listen so employees can express the support they need to work smarter, faster and better. In essence, you need to help them find their employee voice! What is employee voice? Simply put, employee voice is the […]