How should HR tackle bullying and harassment in the workplace?

1. No Place for
Harrassment
Margaret Adewale
HR Dept, Gloucester

2. Banter or harassment
If the behaviour is:-
1. Unwanted
2. Offensive
3. Designed to create an intimidating environment
TAKE IT SERIOUSLY

3. Learning Objectives
• What is Harassment?
• What are the consequences of this sort of behaviour if it takes place in
my business?
• How can I root out harassment of any kind?
• How to Implementing a company policy on harassment and how to embed
it into your company culture

4. What can you do as an employer?
• Create a positive working environment for
everyone
• Ensure everyone is treated with respect
• Offer equal treatment and opportunities to all
• Create a Harassment and Anti-bullying policy
• Make it a requirement that everyone reads and
implement the policy

5. What can your employees do?
• Read the Company’s Harassment Policy – make sure they
understand the rules and why they're important
• Speak out if they witness unacceptable conduct or language at
work.
• Treat all team members and clients with respect – make sure
that any events or entertainment is appropriate and gives a
professional impression.
• Respond sensitively if someone is offended by something said –
and apologise if they've made a mistake
• Forrmalise complaints - if the matter is serious, talk to their
manager who will escalate the complaint to the Human
Resources Department

6. Don’t
• Use stereotypes or make assumptions based on the nine protected
characteristics - it creates inequality and discrimination
• Use careless or insensitive language at work - take particular care
in the heat of the moment
• Ignore discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation – tell
someone

7. Pritti Patel – made
headlines in the
press recently for
bullying allegations.
Costly Tribinal
Claims in some
cases of
£500,000+
Bad publicity and
Press Coverage –
damage to
reputation
When it goes wrong – what are the
consequences to your business?

8. I did not know ........
….. Is no excuse!
Train your managers to handle such
conflicts better.
If you haven’t got one – create a policy
now

9. For further information/training
on implementing a harassment
and bullying policy – contact:
Margaret Adewale -
margaret.Adewale@hrdept.co.uk
www.hrdept.co.uk/Gloucester
Tel: 01452 405280
Next steps