Introduction
A safe work environment is essential to employee well-being and productivity. Yet undesirable behavior in the workplace occurs more often than many organizations realize. The confidential advisor plays an important role in the early detection and handling of such situations. Due to recent legislative changes, the appointment of a confidential advisor is becoming mandatory in more and more organizations. But what exactly does this role entail, and what can you as an employee or employer expect from a confidential advisor?
What does a confidant do?
Confidential counsellors are there to confidentially assist employees in reporting sexual harassment. Examples include:
- harassment
- discrimination
- bullying
- aggression or violence
These individuals provide an approachable point of contact for employees who do not feel safe raising their concerns with a supervisor or HR. By listening, providing advice and, if desired, guidance on further steps, the confidential advisor helps to make situations discussable before they escalate.
How can you use a confidant?
Employees do not have to ask permission to contact confidants. The threshold is deliberately kept low, because everyone in the organization must be able to seek help independently in the event of undesirable behavior. The confidant is not just there to listen, but can also assist in complaint procedures or point the way to external agencies if necessary.
It is important that employees know who within the organization fulfills this role, and that they are made aware of it during onboarding or through the employee handbook, for example.
Confidentiality and independence
One of the main tenets of confidentiality is confidentiality. Everything discussed during a conversation remains strictly confidential unless the employee gives express permission to share information. This allows sensitive issues to be raised without fear of repercussions.
In addition, the confidant should have an independent position. Ideally, the person should not be hierarchically linked to the person who is dealing with the problem so that there is no conflict of interest. In some organizations, an external confidant is chosen to ensure this independence.
The value to the organization
A confidential advisor is not only important for individual employees, but also contributes to the collective well-being of an organization. By catching signals of undesirable behavior early, the organization can take preventive action. This reduces absenteeism, improves the working atmosphere and limits legal risks.
Moreover, the confidant has a signaling function: if there are recurring patterns, he or she can report this to management or the board, obviously without sharing personal data. This allows the organization to implement targeted policies on social safety and culture change.
Conclusion
The confidential advisor is an essential part of a modern and safe work environment. For employees, this position provides a safe outlet in the event of undesirable behavior. For employers, it is an important tool for timely identification and resolution of problems. With the upcoming obligation for organizations with more than 10 employees, the role of the confidential advisor will only become more important. So as an employer, make sure you have an easily accessible, trained and independent confidential advisor and as an employee: know that you can make use of it and that your secrets will be kept. This contributes to the success and reputation of the organization.
This blog was written by mr. Stijn Blom, employment lawyer at Arbeidsadvocaat.nl B.V. Stijn has extensive experience in employment law and supports entrepreneurs and employees on a daily basis with a variety of employment law issues. From dismissal cases to drafting watertight contracts and regulations - with his practical and personal approach, he helps employers and employees move forward. Want to know more? Visit Stijn's page.
Arbeidsadvocaat.nl is happy to think with you if you have questions about confidants. Please feel free to get in touch .
April 2025
