Publicis Sapient and Leo Burnett partner with SheSays for #WeToo event ~ Wed May 15, Sydney

Harassment in the workplace is a very real and serious issue that unfortunately spans all industries and often people don’t feel comfortable to speak out about it.

As part of Publicis Groupe’s commitment to promoting acceptance and inclusion across its network, Publicis Sapient and Leo Burnett Australia have joined forces with SheSays to create #WeToo on Wednesday, May 15 at WeWork in Sydney.

A free event, #WeToo will arm you with the tools you need to understand your rights and learn how to respond to harassment, both for yourself and on behalf of others. The bystander effect will also be discussed and the goal is for attendees to feel empowered to speak out against aspects of workplace culture that encourage, enable or overlook harassment and discrimination.

Says Shelby Robinson, of SheSays and director, people strategy at Publicis Sapient: “I feel that, together, we can minimise the pain and anxiety that people experience as a victim or witness of harassment. This event is about arming people with the skills to effectively identify and speak up when they witness someone abusing their power or when conditions are developing that enable these situations to occur.”

Says Sarah Palmer, head of talent management, Leo Burnett Australia and current chair of The Agency Circle: “Certainly most larger organisations have policies in place required to provide safe work environments, but many people may not have access to the processes to follow if they see, hear or experience harassment. We want to share this important information to empower women and men to speak up and put an end to discriminatory behaviour in the workplace.”

Says Clinton Parr, founder of A Lion and The Vibes, employee experience consultant and people and culture geek – and speaker at #WeToo: “There are quite a lot of misconceptions around what speaking up about sexual harassment actually means. With a little forethought, and some courage, people can make a huge difference to the culture of their companies, but more importantly, to the targets of harassment, with very little effort, risk or personal cost. I want to help people discover very comfortable and practical ways to stamp sexual harassment out if and when they come across it.”

#WeToo will be held this Wednesday 15th May at WeWork – 333 George Street Sydney. Doors will open at 6pm with nibbles and networking, before hearing from the speakers at 6:30pm with the event wrapping up at 8pm promptly.

Spaces are limited and to register, please click here.

Publicis Sapient and Leo Burnett are part of Publicis Groupe.