It Was Just a Sigh: Why Micro-Behaviours Matter More Than You Think

A tribunal ruling on a manager’s repeated sighs might sound trivial, until you look closer. In this episode, we unpack what a “sigh” really communicates in power-imbalanced settings, and why it matters for neurodivergent people at work. We explore how micro-behaviours like tone, silence, and sighs can become part of a broader pattern of exclusion.

🎧 Key Topics:

• The legal and cultural implications of the tribunal ruling
• Micro-behaviours and their impact in the workplace
• Neurodiversity, emotional labour, and power
• Moving from policy to genuine organisational compassion

🚨 Did You Know?

A UK tribunal found that repeated sighing toward an employee with ADHD could breach the Equality Act, marking a significant precedent for how subtle behaviours are interpreted under the law.

🔑 Actionable Takeaways:

• Recognise the weight of non-verbal cues, especially in roles of authority
• Reflect on how power dynamics shape communication
• Build cultures where emotional signals are discussed, not dismissed
• Don’t underestimate “small” acts, they shape how people feel at work

💡 Join the Conversation:

Have you ever experienced or witnessed a moment where tone or body language carried more weight than words? Share your story, tag someone who needs to hear this, or start a conversation in your workplace. Let’s turn awareness into action.