The Consent at Work Project will be ending March 31, 2024.

*Site active until December 31, 2024.

We want to thank Justice Canada for funding this initiative, and the workers from all across MB contributing to workplaces safer from sexual harassment.

 What is Workplace Sexual Harassment?

Workplace Sexual Harassment is any act of a sexual nature carried out without consent within a workplace setting or circumstance.
Workplace Sexual Harassment is rooted in systems of oppression and is often used to control or gain power over others. This results in much higher rates of harassment for workers who face structural barriers and inequities in society.

 

So, what can we do about it?

Creating a culture of Consent at Work helps create safer work environments where Workplace Sexual Harassment is unwelcome, and less likely to go ignored.

It’s time to set a new workplace standard across Manitoba to create a safer, more level playing field, where every voice at work carries some real weight.

Consent (con·sent /kənˈsent/) is permission for something to happen and is:

  • Not given under distress or pressure

  • Able to be taken back at any time for any reason

  • All information necessary to make a sound decision was there

  • Signals presence and authenticity

  • Not assumed to carry over to more than one situation

How to Practice Consent at Work:

Blue graphic of the @ symbol

Ask

genuine, considerate, appropriate questions prior to acting.

Blue quotation marks graphic

Listen

to, and comply with, the answer or decision.

Blue ampersand graphic

Respect

each response beyond the interaction, without trying to punish someone for their response.

What Is Consent at Work’s Impact on the Workplace?

Whether we’re talking to a friend or making job-related decisions, Consent at Work can help workers build a stronger culture of trust and respect, by:

  • Helping workers tell each other what is and isn’t okay, and holding each other accountable

  • Establishing healthy boundaries and a foundation of functional workplace relationships

  • Ensuring that all voices at the table are protected

  • Helping workers feel safer to bring their whole selves to work

  • Creating a happier, healthier and more productive workplace

Workplace cultures that are empathetic, respectful, inclusive, open-minded, and fair prioritize communication, accountability, listening, and diversity. 

These workplaces—with cultures of Consent at Work—are safer for all workers.  

Remember:

You can bring consent with you everywhere. It doesn’t just exist in relation to sexual advances and the workplace – it is a powerful way of living and caring for yourself and others. You can bring it into your whole life in small, and big, meaningful ways.