Ban Bullying at Work Day and National Stress Awareness Day
By TJ (05-11-2007)
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Wednesday 7 November 2007 marks national ‘Ban Bullying at Work Day’ and ‘National Stress Awareness Day’. Bullying and harassment are still worryingly prevalent in the workplace and CIPD urges employers to continue to put into place measures to tackle the problem of bullying in the workplace and to invest the resources needed to reduce bullying and harassment at work.
Organisations should treat any form of harassment or bullying seriously not just because of the legal implications, but because it can lead to under-performance at work.
Dianah Worman, CIPD Diversity Adviser says: “Eliminating all forms of harassment and bullying makes good business sense. A workplace environment which is free from hostility enables people to contribute more effectively to organisational success and to achieve higher levels of job satisfaction. People cannot make their best contribution when under fear of harassment, bullying or abuse.”
A CIPD survey, How engaged are British emplolyers 2006, found that one fifth of all employees have experienced dome form of bullying or harassment.Employees who are bullied are more likely to be depressed and anxious, to be less satisfied at work.
High levels of personal stress can damage morale and lead to higher labour turnover, reduced productivity, lower efficiency and divided teams.
Employers are urged to provide a positive working environment to satisfy employees’ expectations under the psychological contract. A well-designed policy statement is an important first step in addressing harassment and should cover all the complexities of intimidating behaviour, including bullying. A policy does not automatically change cultures and behaviours, so senior management support and communicating the policy is essential, through staff handbooks and intranet, induction and training programmes, and appraisal interviews.
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