dignity and respect in the workplace preventing and managing workplace bullying

Dignity and Respect in the Workplace

Preventing and Managing Workplace Bullying

Occupational Health and Safety Directorate

NSW Department of Education & Training

Safety is everyone’s responsibility


Safe Working and Learning

Background

• Signatory to Charter

• Requires Department to have a positive behavioural culture

• Department’s commitment to dignity and respect.



What is bullying?Definitions vary, but bullying is behaviour that is:• repeated • unreasonable• unwelcome and unsolicited• directed towards an employee• a reasonable person would consider to be

offensive/humiliating/intimidating/threatening • creates a risk to health and safety.

(DET Prevention of Bullying in the Workplace Policy)



Examples• Abuse - verbal , physical, emotional• Excessive criticism• Unfair use of workplace systems• Constant ridicule and put downs• Loud, threatening or derogatory language • Deliberate exclusion from workplace activities• Victimisation• Spreading rumours or offensive messages

through SMS or email



Bullying is NOT:• Differences of opinion• Reporting professional difficulties

with staff• Managerial action such as

monitoring workflow, giving feedback and managing performance - where done in a reasonable way in accordance with departmental policies and procedures



Impact of bullying

Workplace bullying has serious consequences for:

• The individual

• Other workers and the workplace

• The Department as a whole.



Prevention of bullying

• It is easier to prevent bullying than it is to intervene after an event.



Bullying Risk Management Model

1. Workplace Consultation

2. A Risk Management Approach

3. Workplace Training and Awareness

4. Dealing with Complaints

5. Process Improvement



DET framework for preventing bullying

Dignity & Respect in the Workplace Charter

Legislation: OHS, Anti-discrimination Workers Compensation

DET Prevention of bullying in the

workplace policy

DET Code of conduct policy

DET Complaints handling policy

DET Complaint handling

guidelines

DET Code of Conduct



Prevention of bullying in the workplace policy

• The policy states the Department’s commitment to dignity and respect and preventing and responding to bullying

• Protection of complainants and witnesses from victimisation

• Specifies managers’ and staff members’ responsibilities



Code of Conduct• The Code of Conduct establishes a common

understanding of the standards of behaviour expected of all employees of the Department

• Areas covered by the Code include:– Respect for people– Professional behaviour– Taking responsibility– Relationships between staff and students– Conflict of interest



Code of ConductAll employees are to:

• Be courteous and responsive

• Take responsibility for their own conduct and work with colleagues cooperatively

• Treat colleagues with dignity and respect

• Promote cooperation and harmonious relations

• Consider their own and others’ health and safety

• Report discriminatory or harassing behaviour



Code of Conduct

• Managers and principals must lead by example and take steps to ensure the workplace is free from harassment, bullying and unlawful discrimination

• Breaches can be dealt with under the Complaints Handling Guidelines and may be investigated

• Proven breaches may result in disciplinary or remedial action.



Complaints handling

• Complaints handling procedures used for bullying

• Complaints resolved promptly, impartially and in a just manner

• Report matter to supervisor/workplace manager

• Non victimisation of person who reports



Complaints handling• Alleged bully treated as innocent unless the

allegations proved

• Staff counselled on inappropriate behaviour

• Informal resolution is encouraged for less serious complaints

• For a formal complaint the seriousness is assessed to determine negotiation or investigation

• Complaints Handling Guidelines available on intranet



Responsibilities of managers and employeesManagers are to:• Encourage a work culture of dignity and respect• Consult staff• Take action to prevent bullying• Investigate complaints promptly, support both partiesEmployees are to:• Treat others with dignity and

respect and not bully or harass• Report bullying and hazards• Participate in consultation.



What does the workplace need to do?• Promote a positive workplace culture with open

consultation and communication• Clearly set the standard of acceptable, professional

behaviour, and address unacceptable behaviour• Create awareness and provide instruction/training• Take a risk management approach to bullying,

identify risk factors and control• Continue to monitor bullying and review controls• Encourage reporting and investigate complaints

promptly.



Consultation• Consultation with occupational health and

safety representatives and the OHS committee should precede all proposed action to reduce the risk of bullying.



What can you do?• Treat everyone with dignity and respect

• See issues from the other person’s view

• Communicate clearly

• Do not dwell on conflicts from the past

• Deal with communication problems early

• Participate in consultation on bullying

• Do not bully back if you are bullied – use the procedures



If you believe you are being bullied• Where possible seek to resolve the issue • If this is not successful, report the complaint -

lodge a complaint using the complaint handling procedures

• Seek counselling through the Employee Assistance Program

• Contact your OHS Advisor or Regional OHS Liaison Manager

• Cooperate with any investigation and resolution strategies.



In summary• Everyone has a responsibility to maintain an

environment of dignity and respect• Create awareness, communicate and consult• Take a preventative, risk management approach• Report bullying• Follow up on complaints promptly• Monitor and review the workplace.



Thank you for your

participation!

dignity and respect in the workplace preventing and managing workplace bullying

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