A safe workplace starts with being heard | Anders Denken Podcast #35 with Astrid Raspe

In episode #35 of the Anders Denken Podcast, we talk to Astrid Raspe, external confidential advisor at OffCourse. An open and insightful conversation about undesirable behavior, integrity, and the often underestimated role of the confidential advisor in the workplace.

What is the role of a confidential advisor?

Many people think that a confidential advisor solves problems or takes action on behalf of the employee. In this episode, Astrid makes it clear that this is a persistent misconception. "A confidential advisor stands alongside and behind the employee," she explains. "Not to take over the problem, but to support someone in regaining control."

Reports cover a wide range of topics: bullying, (sexual) harassment, discrimination, aggression, and integrity issues. These are often intense experiences, in which being heard and seen is an important first step.

Few reports? That's usually not good news.

It is striking that organizations are sometimes 'happy' with few reports. According to Astrid, this is precisely a cause for concern. "Few reports do not automatically mean that everything is going well. It can also mean that employees do not know what to do, or do not feel safe enough to speak up." Both few and many reports provide valuable information about the work culture.

Work culture as an underlying factor

Although work pressure and work culture are not formally part of a confidential advisor's remit, Astrid often sees these themes reflected in reports. This can have a major impact, especially when undesirable behavior is normalized by managers or senior management.
"Behavior at the top has an impact throughout the entire organization."

Safety begins with taking doubts seriously

Astrid's most important message: if something doesn't feel right, that feeling alone is reason enough to talk about it. "Even if you think to yourself: am I overreacting? That's precisely when it's valuable to contact a confidential advisor."

Curious about Astrid's experiences and insights as a confidential advisor in practice? Listen to episode #35 of the Anders Denken Podcast below.