While workplace bullying tends to be an issue that is not often discussed unless a formal complaint is made, it is the employer’s legal responsibility to provide an environment that is free of any unreasonable treatment of employees. A culture of bullying behaviours can be detrimental to productivity levels, staff retention and overall success of the business. This article explores four ways in which you can prevent bullying in your workplace.
1. Set a good example.
First and foremost, treat your employees as you would like to be treated. Embodying respect and courtesy will influence the work environment, assisting in the replication of those behaviours amongst the staff.2. Regular check-ins.
Provide weekly opportunities for you employees to touch base with you. This is a great chance to develop a trusting rapport between you and your staff. As a result, they should feel comfortable enough to speak with you about any issues that may be affecting their time at work.3. Develop anti-bullying policies.
Work with your team to develop expectations of how staff should conduct themselves. Set a clear definition of bullying, and also make evident the company’s stance on bullying behaviour. These policies can be communicated through posters placed around the workplace, as well as discussed during staff induction procedures. By doing this, your employees have set behavioural expectations to follow, and can be held accountable if they deviate from them.4. Implement reporting procedures.
A worker is more likely to report workplace bullying if there are report writing processes in place. Develop reports that can be used to lodge a bullying complaint, and also make sure that such reports are followed as soon as they are sent in. Ensure that confidentiality and impartiality are values that are continually re-enforced.It’s never too late to implement strategies that can prevent bullying in your workplace.
For more information on how you can address workplace bullying, visit www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
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