It feels like not a day goes by without another headline about toxic workplace culture. Whether it’s sexual harassment or bullying, these stories have become disturbingly common across many industries. Behind these headlines lies the wicked problem of underreporting. Employees often suffer in silence, fearing retaliation or feeling that the system won’t protect them.
It’s something I can relate to as a South Asian woman working as a human rights and discrimination lawyer for almost two decades. Often the only woman of colour in the room, I didn’t feel safe raising concerns in some of my previous workplaces because I felt that these systems didn’t respect or understand my cultural identity. It wasn’t just the fear of retaliation; it was the knowledge that I wouldn’t be fully heard or understood.
After years of researching barriers to reporting and designing effective response mechanisms, I knew something had to change. That’s why I created SafeSpace@elevate, an Australian first platform that puts a trauma-informed, culturally safe approach at its core to help employees speak up, seek support and organisations respond effectively.
The Underreporting Crisis
Most workers don’t feel comfortable coming forward with concerns, which allows toxic behaviours to persist unchecked. When people don’t speak up, organisations are left unaware of issues brewing beneath the surface, unable to address problems they don’t even know exist. This silence doesn't just harm the individuals experiencing these behaviours—it erodes trust, productivity, and the overall culture within a company.
How can organisaations address problems they aren’t aware of? That’s the question SafeSpace@elevate is designed to answer. By creating a safe, accessible, anonymous and trauma-informed reporting and support system, the platform encourages people to share their experiences early, preventing escalation and fostering a healthier workplace environment.
Why Trauma-Informed Reporting Matters
A challenge in reporting harassment, bullying or racism is the fear of being retraumatised during the process. I’ve heard too many times from individuals that the process of making a report was more traumatising than the actual incident. Traditional reporting systems often lack the sensitivity required to handle these situations, leaving people feeling exposed or unsupported. That’s why SafeSpace@elevate is built around a trauma-informed approach.
But what does that mean, exactly? A trauma-informed system recognises that individuals come into these processes carrying past experiences, some of which may be painful or distressing. It means designing a process that doesn’t cause further harm but instead supports them emotionally and psychologically throughout their journey. This is especially crucial in cases of workplace harassment or discrimination, where people are already in a vulnerable position.
By ensuring that the reporting process is trauma-informed, SafeSpace@Elevate creates a pathway for employees to speak up without fear either anonymously or in an identified way. We don’t just take reports; we provide wraparound support, from guidance to mediation services to behaviour change programs, all designed to help individuals and teams heal from the harm caused.
Cultural Safety: A Must for Inclusive Workplaces
Cultural safety is another cornerstone of SafeSpace@elevate. Many existing systems fail to account for the lived experiences of people from marginalised backgrounds—whether they’re people of colour, First Nations, LGBTQ+, or from any other underrepresented group.
Cultural safety ensures that people from all backgrounds feel respected and supported. It’s not just about being “politically correct” or ticking diversity boxes—it’s about creating spaces where employees feel seen and valued for who they are, and where their unique perspectives are taken into account. Whether it’s connecting people with culturally appropriate support services or simply acknowledging the impact of race, gender, and other identities on their experiences, SafeSpace@Elevate ensures that no one feels left out. We have support officers from diverse backgrounds and intersecting identifies on hand to provide support.
A Platform for Real Change
SafeSpace@Elevate is more than just a tool—it’s a movement toward safer, more inclusive workplaces. By lifting the veil of underreporting, we give employees a voice and organisations the opportunity to address problems before they spiral out of control. We know that when employees feel safe to report, when they’re supported by trauma-informed practices, and when their cultural identities are respected, we can create workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Ultimately, SafeSpace@Elevate is here to bridge the gap between silence and action. Because we all deserve to work in environments where harmful behaviours are called out and where respect, inclusion, and safety are the norm—not the exception.
Prabha Nandagopal is a Human Rights Lawyer and Founder of Elevate Consulting Partners and SafeSpace@elevate.