Publicis Sapient and Leo Burnett launch #WeToo initiative

Paige Murphy
By Paige Murphy | 13 May 2019
 

Publicis Sapient and Leo Burnett, both part of Publicis Groupe, have partnered with global organisation SheSays to create a #WeToo event to teach people how to respond to harassment in the workplace.

The free event aims to equip members of the industry with the tools to understand their rights and how to respond to harassment both for themselves and on behalf of others.

Shelby Robinson, Publicis Sapient director of people strategy and member of SheSays, says the event is hoped to "minimise" the pain and anxiety people feel from 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," Robinson says.

The bystander effect will also be discussed with the hope that attendees will be empowered to the speak out against workplace cultures that encourage, enable or overlook harassment and discrimination.

"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," Leo Burnett Australia head of talent management and current chair of The Agency Circle Sarah Palmer says.

"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."

Earlier in the year, Publicis Groupe Australia joined a handful of other holding groups in committing to the NDA waiver movement.

OMD Australia, WPP AUNZ, Clemenger BBDO and DDB Australia, as well as independent, full-service creative agency, The Town Square are among those who also took part in the #waivetogether movement.

Publicis also launched the VivaWomen! initiative locally last year, which champions a positive, progressive voice for the more than 1,000 women working across the business in Australia.

#WeToo will be held on Wednesday 15 May at WeWork 333 George Street, Sydney from 6pm.

Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au

Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.

comments powered by Disqus