The cost of silence: Harassment, workplace culture and mental health

The true cost of silence is seldom measured - until it’s too late.

In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure work environment, silence can feel like the safer choice. But when harassment, discrimination, and toxic workplace cultures are left unchallenged, they quietly erode individual wellbeing and organisational health. The impact? Increased absenteeism, presenteeism, staff turnover, reputational harm, and mental health decline.

This World Mental Health Day, book now to join a full-day Leader’s Angle event: The Cost of Silence. Together, we will explore how courageous leadership, progressive HR practices, and psychologically safe workplaces can challenge the status quo and foster dignity-led cultures.

Prof Renata Schoeman, Head: MBA Healthcare Leadership at Stellenbosch Business School, will lead a team of expert voices and industry leaders on mental health issues within the workplace. Your voice matters in shaping workplaces where people don’t just survive, but thrive. We look forward to hosting you

Event details

Dates: 08 October 2025
Times: 8:30am - 5pm
Venue: Stellenbosch Business School campus?(Mopani room)

Location: Bellville, South Africa

Costs: Free
Booking: Send an email to events@stellenboschbusiness.ac.za
Enquiries:

Organisers

The internationally accredited Stellenbosch Business School offers MBA, Master’s, MPhil and PhD programmes as well as executive education programmes – all focused on the development of business leadership.

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