Reports of workplace bullying and harassment are rising, sometimes quietly, sometimes alarmingly loud. And while these behaviors may not be new, the environment that allows them to surface, continues to shift.
In times of stress, uncertainty, or change, whether due to economic, political, social tension, organizational shifts, or remote work fatigue, people can become disconnected from their values and from each other. What might begin as a short fuse, or dismissive tone can evolve into patterns of exclusion, confrontation, intimidation, or outright hostility.
What’s most concerning isn’t just the behavior; it’s the silence around it. Too often, we see a reluctance to name what’s happening. Employees hesitate to report. Leaders avoid addressing tension until it reaches a crisis. Teams carry on, quietly absorbing the weight. This silence has a cost. It shows up in higher turnover, disengagement, mental health impacts, and eroded trust. It weakens the very foundation of what makes a workplace thrive: safety, connection, and mutual respect.
It’s time we expand the conversation beyond “bullying and harassment” compliance training. This is a minimum standard and while important, it’s not enough. We need to lead with a proactive, values-driven approach grounded in Respect in the Workplace. Respect is the presence of curiosity, empathy, boundaries, and accountability. It’s about how people respond to each other, how power is shared in decision-making, and how conflict is managed early…before harm occurs.
Training around Respect in the Workplace gives teams the language, tools, and expectations to navigate differences constructively. It normalizes healthy communication and gives people permission to speak up, not just when something goes wrong, but when something feels off. We need to build cultures where respect isn’t an initiative, but a habit. And that starts with naming what’s happening, breaking the silence, and shifting from reactive to relational.
The rising tide is real, and so is our opportunity to respond with clarity, courage, and care. Let’s not wait for the next incident. Let’s build workplaces where respect is the norm, not the exception.
At TallSky Consulting Group, we work with organizations to go beyond checking the box. Our Respect in the Workplace training is designed to help teams build the skills and shared understanding they need to communicate with clarity, manage conflict constructively, and foster a culture of respect. Whether you’re responding to an uptick in concerns or proactively strengthening your culture, we’re here to help you train your team, equip your leaders, and create a safer, more connected workplace for all.
Written by Meredith Campbell-Jess, an ICF-certified Leadership Coach and HR Associate with TallSky Consulting Group. Meredith partners with organizations to build stronger, more connected teams and she leads sessions on trust and communication, leadership alignment, high-performing teams, and Respect in the Workplace.