How to deal with bullying and harassment in the workplace
Author: Tina Elliott
Summary
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- Be aware that there are a number of practical and legal reasons why you should take proactive steps to deal with bullying and harassment in the workplace.
- Familiarise yourself with the statutory definitions of harassment.
- Be aware of the reasonable steps defence.
- Ensure that you have a bullying and harassment policy in place.
- Set out in the policy the types of behaviour that will be regarded as bullying or harassment and the consequences that may result from any such behaviour.
- Ensure that the policy is well communicated throughout the workplace.
- Train managers in how to handle complaints of bullying or harassment.
- Give employees the choice of an informal or formal route for their complaint.
- Consider a temporary transfer or a temporary change in reporting line while the allegations are investigated.
- Consider suspension of the alleged perpetrator only as a last resort.
- Follow the company disciplinary procedure if it appears that bullying or harassment may have taken place.
- Be consistent in the way that you handle complaints of bullying or harassment.
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