Session Description

Workplace violence and harassment remain an unfortunate reality for many home and community care providers. Yet too often these incidents go unreported, leaving staff without the support they need and organizations without the information required to strengthen workplace safety. Creating a culture where employees feel safe to speak up is essential to protecting staff wellbeing, improving retention, and delivering high-quality care. 

This session explores an evidence-informed approach to strengthening workplace safety by removing barriers to reporting and creating more responsive support systems for employees who experience workplace violence and harassment. Drawing on implementation experience at VHA Home HealthCare and The Neighbourhood Group, presenters will share practical lessons on designing reporting processes that are easy to use, responsive to staff needs, and focused on learning rather than blame. Participants will also explore the social and organizational factors that influence reporting, strategies for building trust in reporting systems, and approaches to fostering a stronger culture of psychological safety and collective responsibility. 

Designed for leaders, managers, and supervisors in home and community care, this session offers practical tools and implementation strategies that can be adapted across organizations. Participants will leave with actionable approaches to improving reporting, supporting employees after incidents occur, and building safer, healthier workplaces where staff feel heard, valued, and supported.