One of the core arguments for collecting digital feedback from employees has always been confidentiality. It allows space to address issues that are often difficult or uncomfortable to raise in face-to-face conversations. A great example is trust, which plays a critical role in workplace dynamics—between team members and between teams and their leaders. To get an honest view of trust in the workplace, digital tools offer a more reliable and safe way to assess and track it.
But trust is not the only topic that has historically remained hidden. These days, well-being and mental health are regularly measured in most organizations. That wasn’t the case even just 10 years ago. Progress has been made, but there are still sensitive issues that are often silenced by stigma and discomfort.
One of the most important and complex of these is domestic violence. By its very nature, domestic violence in silent. Yet studies show that it has a direct impact on the survivor’s ability to work, their team, and the organization as a whole. That means whether or not an employee is experiencing domestic violence does affect company performance.
41% of women and 33% of men have experienced violence in a relationship.
Did you know that 41% of women and 33% of men in Estonia have experienced violence in a relationship at least once in their lives? It’s safe to say that employers interact daily with someone who is experiencing, witnessing, or even perpetrating abuse.
To raise awareness and help create more domestic-violence-aware workplaces, the “Violence-Free” employer initiative, led by the President Kaljulaid Foundation, offers training, tools, educational materials, counseling, and a support network for leaders and employees. The initiative has published a comprehensive handbook for navigating the topic at work and is also organizing a conference titled “Stronger Together.”
Many leaders will recognize moments in the past when they had a gut feeling that something wasn’t quite right with a colleague. Maybe we noticed changes but hesitated, thinking that personal issues don’t belong at work, especially if help hasn’t been requested. But often, we don’t consider this: for some people, the workplace may be the only safe space they have.
The Violence-Free initiative teaches how to recognize signs, offer support, and direct someone toward help. More information about the initiative is available at www.vagivallavabaks.ee/en. Among the early “beacon” companies to join the initiative are Enefit and SOL Baltics, both clients of Moticheck.
The most recent Fontes Alumni Club event, Arengurakett, was fully dedicated to the topic of intimate partner violence. It also focused on how to address sensitive issues as a leader, mentor, or colleague—without sacrificing your own well-being in the process.
The keynote speaker was President Kersti Kaljulaid, who founded and champions the initiative. She has publicly promised never to stay silent when security is at risk or when the vulnerable are being harmed. As a prominent advocate, she uses her voice and position to elevate the issue of domestic violence in society, in prevention work, and through employer engagement.
According to the European Institute for Gender Equality, domestic violence costs the Estonian economy over €1 billion annually. Meanwhile, a Kantar Emor survey found that over half of Estonian employees are open to discussing the topic of IPV in the workplace.
So the need is real, and the time is now. We encourage employers to consider joining the initiative. And if you’d like to assess how ready your team is to engage with such topics, Moticheck is here to help.
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