Workplace Bullying, Harassment, and Sexual Harassment

Bullying, and in particular, Workplace Bullying are more and more becoming topics of discussion these days.  In fact, WorksafeBC will be allowing bullying disability claims and are now in the process of developing tools for employers to implement to prevent bullying in the workplace.  Here is a great article outlining more details:

http://www.bcbusinessonline.ca/legal/recognizing-effects-workplace-bullying

I have found that one of the most effective ways of dealing with the employer's duty to deal with bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment is to take a proactive positive approach to this topic.  Many organizations have used the strict legal approach to the topics of harassment and sexual harassment.  Employees often leave training sessions such as this fearful that they can't even talk to each other or have fun at work.  This defeats the true intent and can put limiting factors on a creative and enjoyable work environment.  My approach in dealing with clients has always been to deal with this topic in a positive way.  The training sessions are fun and interactive and are called "Respectful Workplace Workshops".  This sounds so much better than "Harassment Seminars".  Although these sessions seem light and upbeat, the message gets clearly delivered that bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment will not be tolerated.  Also, all the legal issues are fully addressed through training and the Respectful Workplace Policy/Guidelines.

Here is an outline of how I usually approach this sensitive topic in a short 45 minute workshop:

• Link the training to the organization's core values
• Define why it is important to have a Respectful Workplace (Group Work)
• Define Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Bullying
• Review the Law in Canada - Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Human Rights Legislation, etc.
• Provide a "Test" for determining if harassment has taken place
• Work through a Respectful Workplace Quiz outlining different workplace scenarios
• Provide a copy of the Respectful Workplace Policy/Guidelines
• Answer any questions

These sessions are fun and interactive.  Attendees always leave the room enlightened on the topic with a new sense of the importance of analyzing their behaviour at work.  It is a positive experience that helps the effectiveness of any organization.

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