Animal Welfare Professionals

It's been brought to my attention, both directly and indirectly, that there is a growing fear among our employees and volunteers about speaking up. Many feel they are not in a position to report issues or voice concerns without fear of backlash, whether it's getting into trouble, being dismissed, or even being subjected to negative reactions. This has created a culture where people feel silenced and undervalued, and it's affecting not only their mental well-being but also the quality of work we all strive to achieve.

I've heard from multiple individuals who feel they are expected to handle incredibly tough situations-such as dealing with angry customers, caring for abused and sick animals, or facing the emotional strain of euthanasia-without being given adequate time or space to decompress, process, or even talk about what they are going through. This constant emotional toll, without the support to manage it, is wearing people down. I think part of this is that we've all been in these roles for so long that we may not fully see the impact our decisions-or our inaction-are having on those we rely on the most. We are losing the human element, and that's dangerous in the work we do.

There are also some long-standing issues that haven't been addressed, including concerns around certain behaviors that affect team morale and cohesion. These unresolved issues are contributing to an overall sense of frustration and burnout.

I've only been with the organization for 18 months and am leery to bring this up - again - as I know it's not going to be well-received. 

Any advice on how best to address these concerns so they're taking seriously and action is taken to address them. 

I have the same concerns and am dealing with the same situations at work. I am also interested in hearing any advice or resources to help through the barriers of being unheard at work.