Page 29 - BOSS Today Issue 4

HUMAN RESOURCES

BULLYING
CLAMPING DOWN ON WORKPLACE

All harassment at work is unacceptable, but bullying is especially pernicious

ullying at work can takes place in private and the gathering dust somewhere in policies: perhaps focus on one a
create a stressful and dynamics between a bully and a your office, then you may as well month, starting with Dignity at
Bintimidating environment victim can be complex. not have one.” Work. What does it look like in
– whether it takes the form of Alison Green, Regional HR your organisation? How do you
threats of violence, offensive Adviser, comments: “In order Focused policies expect your employees to treat
jokes or literature, or repeated to protect employees, leaders Cyber-bullying is on the each other? What should they
comments or conduct within a company must strive to increase and can cause especial do if they feel they are being
undermining a person’s dignity. create a culture in which bullies humiliation and distress. Do bullied? Always take grievances
Employers have a general cannot flourish. They should put you have a social networking seriously, and manage them
duty to protect employees’ the right policies and procedures policy? What would you do if an through your company
health and safety at work; in place to set boundaries – and employee complained they were procedure. Your employees will
failure to address a problem of be prepared to manage those being bullied over the Internet be more productive if they feel
bullying may contravene this who step outside of them. It’s no by a work colleague? you are investing time to protect
legislation. Remember that what good consigning your policies Some useful tips for and improve their working
one person might regard as and procedures to the staff employers from Alison Green: environment.”
harmless fun could be offensive handbook; they must be kept “From the board down, every
or menacing to another. alive within your organisation. employee should understand n FOR HELP OR ADVICE ON
However, it’s not always You may already possess a how their behaviour at work can ANY HR ISSUE, CONTACT
easy for employers to tackle Dignity and Respect Policy, impact on fellow colleagues. YOUR REGIONAL OFFICE ON
such problems. Bullying often but if that policy is in a folder Breathe some life into your 0845 250 7050

June 2010 | BOSS TODAY 29