Workforce Positive Toowoomba HR experts start Workplace Inappropriate Podcast to discuss taboo topics

From navigating romantic relationships in the workplace to making inappropriate jokes in the notorious office group chat, four experts are detailing the biggest and juiciest issues society is facing in the workplace today.

While boundaries are firmer than ever before, inappropriate behaviour in the workplace remains an ongoing issue and now a team of experts are tackling some of the most controversial issues being faced at work today.

Nearly eight years ago, Kearin Lowry started Workforce Positive – a Toowoomba consultancy firm which offers HR services, strategies and in-house training.

Alongside her employees Kate Owen, Megan Carige and Zoe Grahl, the team of four have now launched their own podcast Workplace Inappropriate to discuss taboo topics, spark conversation and assist others to overcome complex workplace matters.

HR professionals Workforce Positive are the team behind the Workplace Inappropriate podcast including (from left) Kate Owen, Megan Carige and Kearin Lowry. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“One of our most popular reels has been about people who meet and start a (romantic) relationship in the workplace,” Ms Lowry said.

“Unless your workplace specifically says you can’t, it’s actually quite normal with about a third of consensual relationships formed at work, but sadly people still feel like they have to keep it a secret.

“We are also very passionate about shining a greater spotlight on sexual harassment prevention, so we discuss how to navigate this respectfully, read signs and ask the question.”

The podcast first launched in December last year and has since released six episodes, covering other issues including inappropriate jokes, co-worker disagreements, bullying and Secret Santa gifts among others.

Ms Lowry and Ms Carige said times and laws have changed significantly since they began working in the HR sector more than two decades ago, so recording the podcast with their two younger counterparts provided several different perspectives.

HR professionals Workforce Positive are the team behind the Workplace Inappropriate podcast (from left) Megan Carige, Kearin Lowry and Kate Owen, with Zoe Grahl on the laptop. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Meg and I have a lot to bring to the discussion and plenty of war stories to share, but I’m so proud to be able to give a voice to two young, professional women,” Ms Lowry said.

“Society has changed a lot so things that were acceptable 20 years ago aren’t now, but this has also led to new challenges – like the work group chat or social media – where some of the most inappropriate content is shared.

“HR can be quite a dry subject but podcasts have become a great medium of entertainment and way to share information, or those topics people tend to shy away from, in an engaging way.”

An upcoming episode of the podcast will be based on issues raised on a Reddit forum, while a separate episode will feature guest Todd Rohl from the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce.

The public can listen to the podcast on Spotify and submit anonymous questions online at workforcepositive.com