Many people choose this approach as a first step because it can feel less intimidating and may lead to quicker resolutions. However, it still requires careful communication and self-advocacy to ensure your concerns are heard and respected.

Informal processes also allow for more flexibility in how issues are handled, which can sometimes lead to more collaborative and constructive outcomes as long as both parties are willing to listen and make changes.

Cons to informal resolutions could include a greater risk of stalling or manipulating the process; parties may eventually disagree and not wish to participate; little to no check on power imbalances; the need to have full trust and confidence in all parties and the process; bias impacting the ultimate decision; risk of not protecting everyone's rights appropriately; and the risk that one party may ultimately control the conversation. 

In the informal process of addressing workplace sexual harassment, self-advocacy plays a central role. Self-advocacy is confidently expressing how the behaviour has impacted you and clearly stating what changes you need to feel safe and supported. By advocating for yourself during informal discussions with the person involved, a supervisor, or HR, you can work toward a more flexible, personal resolution while still protecting your well-being.

These factors must be considered when determining if an informal resolution process will be the best action in your environment and for the specific complaint process.

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Self-advocacy is an important part of dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace, especially when seeking an informal resolution. Self-advocacy means standing up for yourself and communicating your needs, especially when someone else’s actions harm you. It helps ensure your well-being and demands respect for your worth. 

Advocating for yourself can lead to better resources and support at work. It also protects your well-being by ensuring your needs are heard and respected. Though self-advocacy can be challenging, it’s an important tool to navigate the complex dynamics of workplace harassment.

Understanding what you need to feel safe and supported is important to being your own advocate. Take time to identify what supports will help you move forward.  

Self-advocacy is not always easy. Power dynamics or systemic issues in your workplace may make it hard for you to express yourself. You may feel anxious because of power imbalances or being in conflict. 

These issues are called barriers. Recognizing and understanding these barriers as challenges you can plan and work to overcome is important.  

Learning to advocate for yourself takes practice and planning. Identifying your needs, setting boundaries, and using tools like clear communication or seeking support from allies can make the process more manageable. By taking these steps, you can create a path toward resolving the issue safer and more empoweringly.

There are many supportive tools and strategies you can use to strengthen your self-advocacy. These tools can empower you to handle the situation thoughtfully and with care, ensuring that you are prepared for every conversation:

• Journaling: Keep a record of incidents and your feelings. Writing down what happened not only help you process your feelings, but also van provide a clear timeline that you can refer back to. Use your journal as personal space to reflect and document your experience in your words. 
• Allies: It’s ok to lean on supportive colleagues, mentors or bystanders. Having someone support you when you are speaking up can make a huge difference. Allies can provide emotional support, help boost confidence, or even step in as witnesses to advocate alongside of you. 
• Unions: If you are facing sexual harassment in the workplace as a member of a union, it is important for you to address the issue through your union. They can offer guidance and support, sa well as help navigate informal (and formal) resolutions. They can provide advice and support or act as mediators between you and your employer.
• Clear Expectations: Setting clear boundaries and expressing what needs to change can help you advocate more effectively. Be specific. This can include asking the person to stop certain behaviours or requesting adjustments from your employer. By clearly communicating your needs and expectations, you help ensure your needs are heard. 
• Therapy or Mental Health Support: Having someone to talk to about the emotional toll of harassment can help you stay strong. Seeking therapy or mental health support can provide a safe space to process your emotions and gain strength. It is OK to seek support if you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed during these difficult moments. 
• Documents: Keep track of emails or other communications that may support your case. Documentation can serve as a supportive safety net, providing clear evidence if the situation escalates. It can help boost your confidence during informal conversations, knowing that you have the evidence at hand if needed. 

Each of these suggested tools can help you advocate for yourself in a way that feels safe and supported. When used together, they strengthen your ability to navigate the information process and protect your well-being as you seek to resolve the issues. 

It is very important to take care of yourself during complaint processes and situations where you are practicing self-advocacy. Self-compassion and self-care are important for your well-being. 

Take your time and check in with yourself. Going through a workplace complaint can be very stressful. Self-care will help you manage your mental health stress, prevent burnout, and feel more centred, relaxed, and focused.  

• Keep yourself fed and hydrated
• Set your priorities and flexible goals
• Request time off if you need it
• Take time for your favourite things

It is important to recognize that you are in the middle of a difficult process. Hold space and recognize that your emotions are valid. Give yourself time to process each step.

Whether you’re addressing the person who has harmed you, a supervisor, or an HR representative, it’s important to clearly communicate your needs and the impact the situation has had on you. Be specific about what you expect to change and what you need to feel supported.

Effective and assertive communication is key when self-advocating in the workplace. This will help you clearly communicate your needs and navigate difficult conversations that may include opposition, objection, or rejection.

Planning ahead can be a big help. Before approaching the conversation, set clear goals for what you want to achieve. Think through potential barriers and anticipate objections. Think about your potential responses. This preparation helps you stay focused and deliver your message calmly and assertively.

It’s important to clarify your needs and the impact of harmful actions. Using “I” statements can be a helpful strategy. For example, saying “I feel uncomfortable when…” or “I was hurt by…” shifts the focus to how the situation affects you, leading to more productive conversations. Being assertive without being aggressive means you can stand up for yourself in a firm but respectful way.

Effective communication is not just about speaking clearly; it’s also active listening. When you listen attentively to the other person’s perspective, you show respect for the conversation and allow yourself to respond more thoughtfully and assertively. It can also help lower tension and calm down disagreements.

Active listening can be tricky, especially for people who are neurodiverse, like those with ADHD or autism, or those dealing with mental health challenges like anxiety or depression. It can be difficult to stay focused and engaged in a conversation. 

It's important to be kind to yourself and understand that these are real challenges. Finding strategies that help you focus, like using fidgeting tools, taking breaks, or setting reminders, can make listening and being present in conversations easier. Being patient with yourself and others when communication feels tough can make a big difference.

Tips for Active Listening

• Set an Intention  Before starting the conversation, take a moment to set an intention. This will help you stay focused on the goals and tone of the conversation from the beginning. For example, ask yourself, "What do I want to learn?" or "How can I show support?"
• Express Your Needs  If you need to fidget or use a tool to help you focus, such as a fidget toy or doodling on paper, let the other person know. Explain that these actions help you stay engaged in the conversation and are not signs of distraction.
• Stay Focused and Present Being present means putting aside distractions and concentrating on the conversation at hand. Focus on what the other person is saying and try to follow through on the conversation's goals. Turn off any background noise or put away your phone to help you stay attentive.
• Ask Questions Asking questions is a simple but powerful way to show you’re engaged in the conversation. It also helps you better understand what the other person is saying. You can ask for clarification if something is unclear or ask open-ended questions to keep the dialogue going.
• Body language is communication, too. Small physical responses like nodding, smiling, or changing your facial expression based on what is being said show the speaker that you are actively listening. Observing the other person's body language can give you clues about their emotional state or focus. Notice if they are tense, relaxed, or making eye contact with you. 
• Avoid Interrupting  It can be tempting to jump in with your thoughts, especially if you feel strongly about the topic. Let the speaker finish their thoughts before responding. Interrupting can break the flow of the conversation and may make the other person feel unheard.
• Don’t Plan Your Response  Focusing on what you will say next can distract your attention from the person speaking. Instead, stay fully present in their words and thoughts. Trust that you will be able to respond after they’ve finished, once you’ve fully understood their perspective.
• Paraphrase and Summarize  To show that you’re really listening, try paraphrasing or summarizing what the other person has said. For example, you could say, "So what I’m hearing is..." or "It sounds like you’re feeling..." This confirms that you’ve understood them and helps clarify if needed.
• Take Notes if Needed  If the conversation is important or involves a lot of details, it may help to take notes. This can be especially useful for people who struggle with focus or memory. Just let the other person know you’re taking notes so they understand it’s for clarity, not because you’re distracted.