How to Talk About Sexual Harassment at Work—Without It Being Awkward, Scary, or a 'Cancel Me' Moment

Talking about sexual harassment at work isn’t easy and it’s no surprise many people steer clear of it. And that’s the problem. It’s uncomfortable, often misunderstood, and let’s be honest, it’s easy to avoid altogether.  

But when we don’t talk about it, we risk creating a culture where people aren’t sure what’s okay, what to do if something goes wrong, and whether they’ll be taken seriously. 

This conversation doesn’t have to be awkward or scary and you shouldn’t feel like if you say one wrong thing you will be ‘labelled’ or ‘cancelled’.  With a little bit of clarity and a lot of humanity, you can set the tone for a workplace where respect is a norm and no one is squirming in their seat. 

Start with Honesty, Not a Script 

You don’t need a formal presentation or a carefully rehearsed statement to bring this up. In fact, the more human and down-to-earth you are, the better. A simple, honest opening like “I want to take five minutes to talk about making sure this is a safe and respectful place for everyone” is more than enough.  

It shows your team that you care, and it invites open conversation rather than shutting it down with a speech. 

Talk About Values, Not Just Policies 

While policies are important, people connect better with values. Instead of jumping into legal definitions or quoting your handbook, start with what matters to your business.  

For example: “We want this to be a place where everyone feels comfortable, respected, and safe.” When you frame it that way, the conversation becomes part of your culture, not just a compliance box to tick. 

Use Everyday Language People Actually Understand 

It’s easy to slip into HR-speak without meaning to, but plain language is far more effective. Try phrases like,  

“If something makes you uncomfortable, even if it wasn’t meant that way, you can and should speak up.”  Or “You never have to brush off a comment or joke that doesn’t sit right with you.”  

These everyday words make the message clear and approachable, and your team won’t feel like they’re sitting through a lecture. 

Make It Clear How People Can Speak Up 

One of the biggest barriers to preventing harassment is that people often don’t know what to do or who to talk to. Make it easy for them. Explain the options: they can talk to the person directly, they can speak to you directly, speak to a named manager, or even drop an email if that feels more comfortable. 

And above all, reassure them that if they raise something, it will be taken seriously and handled with care, no drama, no judgment. You may also want to reassure them that you won’t immediately jump into a formal process, you will always try and resolve things informally first to ensure that working relationships are maintained.  

Keep the Conversation Going 

Talking about sexual harassment shouldn’t be a one-off discussion during induction or when something goes wrong.  

Find small, natural ways to keep it alive in your culture, bring it up in team check-ins, share a short reminder in internal updates, or simply keep the door open for conversations. The more normal it becomes to talk about respect and boundaries, the less awkward it will feel. 

Show What Good Behaviour Looks Like 

Your team will look to you to set the tone. If you calmly call out inappropriate comments, consistently treat people with respect, and encourage openness, others will follow. You don’t need to be perfect, just consistent.  

Leadership in this area doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means being willing to create a safe space for the answers to come out. 

A Simple Tool to Help You Get Started 

To make things even easier, we’ve created a Sexual Harassment Prevention Checklist and Training Guide. It’s a no-fuss, practical tool designed for small businesses. It walks you through the basics, how to open the conversation, what to look out for, and how to build a respectful culture without all the waffle. 

Download it now from Dakota Blue Academy 

Create a Safe Space 

This isn’t about being ‘too PC’ or making people feel like they’re walking on eggshells. It’s about making sure everyone feels safe, respected, and able to do their best work. And when that becomes part of your culture, your business becomes a better place for everyone, you included!