Bullying At The Workplace

This is an unfortunate reality. Did you know that the new Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace (Code), which took effect on 18 March 2022, has placed a positive duty on employers to play their part in preventing bullying in the workplace?

The Different Types of Bullying

To develop more comprehensive systems of bullying prevention and support employees’ psychological well-being, leaders first need to be aware of the different types of bullying and how they show up. We’ve identified 15 different features of bullying.

Workplace Bullying Taxonomy

The Dimensions, features, and sample behaviours and outcomes of workplace bullying.

Employer Obligations

The code highlights that employers are under an obligation in terms of section 60 of the EEA to take proactive and remedial steps to prevent all forms of harassment in the workplace.

This includes:

1. Conducting an assessment of the risk of harassment to employees.
2. Creating and maintaining a working environment in which the dignity of employees is respected.
3. Adopting and implementing an appropriate policy addressing harassment in the workplace.
4. Conducting training to educate employees about the various forms of harassment.
5. Implementing ongoing awareness initiatives and programmes.
6. Investigating allegations of harassment.

HR Note: It should also be stressed that those employees who make false allegations in bad faith may also be subjected to disciplinary action.

Employers are encouraged to seek advice on how to implement the mandatory steps set out in the code to avoid falling foul of the EEA. If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us!