Speak Up, Be Heard: Communication Skills for a Respectful and Safe Workplace

This training is for restaurant workers who want real tools for real situations at work. We’ll cover how to communicate through conflict, handle bias or harassment, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right, without making things worse.

We start from a simple truth: restaurant workers deserve more than just getting through the shift. You deserve to feel respected, safe, and like you belong at work.

You’ll learn practical communication tools that help protect your dignity, support your coworkers, and reduce harm on the job. The skills you build here aren’t just good for team culture, they also help prevent burnout and protect your rights at work.

This training is led by Good Work Austin (GWA), a local nonprofit that supports food and beverage workers through training, advocacy, and workforce programs. We work alongside workers, business owners, and community members to make Austin’s restaurant industry safer, fairer, and more people-centered.

What you’ll learn

By the end of this training, you’ll be able to:

• Handle conflict with guests or coworkers using clear communication and de-escalation skills

• Recognize harassment or inappropriate behavior and know how to set boundaries and report it

• Use inclusive communication that helps everyone feel respected and heard

• Understand your basic workplace rights related to safety, harassment, and retaliation