[334] - Part 1 -The Cost of Silence in Policing How Speaking Up Ends Careers

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Silence in the workplace is often mistaken for professionalism or resilience, but in my experience, it’s one of the biggest drivers of burnout, resignations, and long-term psychological harm.

In this episode, I share my personal experience of reporting harassment, facing retaliation, and living through what’s known as sanctuary trauma—when systems designed to protect people end up causing more harm instead.

I talk openly about what happens when policies exist on paper but fail in practice, how silence is rewarded while speaking up is punished, and why so many people leave not because they’re weak—but because the cost of staying is too high.

In This Episode, I Talk About:

• Why silence is a hidden driver of burnout and resignations
• The gap between public-facing values and internal workplace culture
• What happens when harassment is reported without clear ownership or accountability
• How retaliation often shows up quietly - through delays, labels, and process
• The physical and mental health toll of chronic workplace stress
• How organisations lose mentors, experience, and institutional knowledge
• Why silence is often mistaken for resilience
• What real leadership actually looks like when safety is the priority
• Practical steps leaders can take to move beyond slogans and into action
• A preview of Part Two, where I dive into systemic failures and accountability

I’m sharing this story because too many people are suffering in silence, especially in high-pressure, high-responsibility roles. When organisations protect reputations instead of people, the damage doesn’t stop at the workplace. It follows people home, into their health, their families, and their future.

This conversation is for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone who has ever felt unsafe speaking up at work.

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Coming Up Next

Part Two: I’ll break down the systemic failures that allow retaliati

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Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional. Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.

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