ESD In Workplaces
Building confidence, connection and psychologically safe workplaces.
Creating safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces requires more than policies alone. It requires practical skills, meaningful conversations and a culture where people feel confident to speak up, set boundaries and support one another.
Empowered Self Defence (ESD) is an engaging, evidence-informed program that helps participants build confidence, strengthen personal agency and develop practical skills for navigating challenging situations both inside and outside the workplace.
Combining education, discussion and interactive skill-building, ESD offers a unique experience that supports individual wellbeing while contributing to broader organisational goals around safety, inclusion and respect.
Supporting Respectful and Safe Workplace Cultures
ESD can complement broader organisational efforts to prevent workplace sexual harassment and foster psychologically safe environments.
Participants explore topics including:
- Personal boundaries and respectful interactions
- Assertive communication
- Recognising inappropriate behaviour
- Responding to uncomfortable or challenging situations
- Confidence and self-efficacy
- Bystander awareness and support
- Help-seeking and support pathways
The program creates opportunities for meaningful reflection and practical learning while reinforcing organisational commitments to safety, inclusion and respect.
Supporting Psychological Safety
Psychological safety is strengthened when people feel confident expressing themselves, setting boundaries and raising concerns without fear of judgement or retaliation.
ESD helps participants develop:
- Confidence in communication
- Greater self-awareness
- Stronger interpersonal skills
- Increased self-efficacy
- A deeper understanding of personal boundaries
- Practical strategies for navigating difficult situations
These skills can contribute to healthier workplace relationships and more connected teams.
A Unique Team Experience
Unlike traditional workplace training, ESD is highly interactive, practical and engaging.
Participants often describe the experience as:
- Empowering
- Energising
- Confidence-building
- Memorable
- Fun and engaging
As a result, ESD can be delivered as part of:
- Women’s leadership initiatives
- International Women’s Day programs
- Employee wellbeing programs
- Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
- Team development activities
- Psychological safety initiatives
- Workplace culture programs
Part of a Broader Prevention Approach
Birchtree Foundation recognises that workplace sexual harassment and gender-based violence are influenced by broader social, cultural and structural factors.
While ESD focuses on building confidence, agency and practical skills, it is most effective when delivered alongside organisational initiatives that promote respectful workplace cultures, gender equality, leadership accountability and psychological safety.
Together, these approaches help create workplaces where people can feel safe, respected and empowered to contribute their best.
Creating Safer Workplaces Through Empowerment
At Birchtree Foundation, we believe empowerment is a powerful contributor to wellbeing, inclusion and safety.
Through ESD, organisations can provide employees with an engaging and meaningful experience that builds confidence, strengthens connection and supports safer, more respectful workplace cultures.