Episode 191: It's the Law

In this episode of Leading and Learning Through Safety, Dr. Mark French shifts focus from technical safety to the broader issues of mental health, organizational justice, and fairness in the workplace. September marks International Suicide Prevention Month, and Mark emphasizes the importance of recognizing that mental health is real, even if invisible, and that everyone’s story matters.

He critiques inconsistent workplace practices through a case study involving alleged violations of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, FMLA, and Pump Act at a national grocery chain. The story illustrates how poor management decisions, inconsistent policy application, and lack of ethical leadership can dehumanize employees and erode trust. Fairness, Mark argues, isn’t about being lenient—it’s about applying policies equally to everyone.

Transitioning to new research from the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, the episode explores the concept of “room to share.” Employees need openness, time, and care from leaders to feel safe disclosing mental health struggles. Leaders play a critical role by offering time, creating private spaces for sensitive conversations, and ensuring resources are available when employees reach out. Mark underscores that leadership presence—not hiding in offices or endless meetings—directly impacts employee well-being and organizational culture.

The episode concludes with a call to action: leaders must invest time in people, treat them with fairness, and build space for authentic conversations about mental health. Above all, during Suicide Prevention Month, listeners are reminded: your story isn’t over—reach out, find help, and never lose hope.