This week (Monday 16th – Friday 20th November) marks Anti Bullying week. Whether in school or at work, our society has no place for Bullying.
Examples of Bullying
The definition of Bullying is persistent behaviour by an individual or a group of individuals that creates a situation where people are undermined and belittled due to threatening or intimidating behaviour. Examples include verbal discussions, emails, Facebook messages and through texting i.e. WhatsApp.
It is vital that businesses create a working environment where all staff are treated with respect and dignity by their colleagues. No person should feel threatened or intimidated.
Mental Health
As we know Bullying (and harassment) has a profound effect on mental health which is now the second largest disease in England and costs businesses billions of pounds each year in absenteeism and poor mental health. Organisations recognise the need to protect their staff by communicating to all their latest bullying and harassment policy, making it clear, any type of bullying or harassment is unacceptable and could be subjected to disciplinary action. Some businesses have enforced training workshops to stamp out improper behaviour.
Employees who believe they are subjected to bullying should notify their manager. Wherever possible and appropriate, companies should try to resolve difficulties and concerns within the workplace through an initial informal meeting. If bullying cases have been ongoing with no remorse, the employer will need to investigate the case fully with the view to taking it further to disciplinary.
In Garamukanwa v Solent NHS Trust, the employer was successful in dismissing the employee for unlawful race discrimination, victimisation and harassment. He had sent personal intimate emails and photos from his iPhone to a work colleague with whom he had a relationship with. He repeatedly harassed and bullied her. In light of the material that he had sent to his former work colleague, the tribunal concurred that such objectionable bullying and harassment behaviour had no place in today’s world.
The article is for general information purposes only and should you require any further assistance on the matter please do not hesitate to call our advice-line team on 01455 852028.
