27/04/2026
As part of the Lifelong Learning Festival last week, I was invited to provide training on disclosures in the stunning Cork Chamber of Commerce premises as part of their ongoing collaboration with SECAD WorkAbility programme.
Encouraging disclosure in the workplace isn’t about asking people to share — it’s about creating the kind of environment where they feel safe to do so.
Here are 3 simple ways to support this:
1) Build trust through everyday actions
Confidentiality, consistency, and respect matter. When employees see that sensitive information is handled well, they’re more likely to feel safe speaking up.
2) Talk openly about reasonable accommodations
Make it clear that support is available — and normal. When reasonable accommodations are part of everyday conversation, disclosure feels less like a risk and more like a pathway to support.
3) Equip managers to respond well
A positive (or negative) response to a disclosure can shape someone’s entire experience. Train managers to listen without judgment, focus on solutions, and respond with empathy.
Creating a culture where people can disclose — without pressure — is key to a truly inclusive workplace.
Thank you to Vicki Kelly, Pamela Connolly, Naoimh Frawley, and their teams for facilitating such important conversations.
