Why Consent Belongs in the Workplace
By Jennifer Hutchinson, Founder & Principal Consultant, Transform Together Consulting
Consent isn’t just personal — it’s organizational. In too many workplaces, staff are expected to “say yes” without clarity, choice, or boundaries. This leads to burnout, resentment, and broken trust.
What Consent at Work Means
Clarity of scope: Staff know exactly what they are agreeing to.
Freedom to decline: Saying no is respected, not punished.
Ongoing check-ins: Consent is revisited, not assumed forever.
Why It Matters
Teams that operate with true consent are more motivated and creative.
Consent prevents silent resentment and disengagement.
It builds cultures of trust and equity.
Simple Practices to Start
Ask before assigning “extra” tasks.
Define roles and timelines clearly.
Normalize “no” as part of healthy collaboration.
Consent creates workplaces where people thrive — not just survive.
Transform Together Consulting helps organizations embed consent, collaboration, and collective care into their leadership practices.
About Jennifer Hutchinson
Jennifer Hutchinson is the Founder & Principal Consultant of Transform Together Consulting, helping mission-driven organizations build collaborative, trauma-informed systems that center power-with leadership. Drawing on decades of executive experience and a deep commitment to equity, Jennifer partners with leaders to create healthier teams, stronger programs, and greater impact. She is the creator of the Feminist Leadership Principles framework, guiding changemakers to shift from power-over cultures to sustainable, people-centered leadership.