Workplace bullying, harassment and discrimination:
- can affect staff morale
- can lead to stress and impact employee health
- can increase staff turnover
- can damage relationships
- can impact on productivity and profit
- may lead to an employee taking action against the employer, causing a financial impact
- can damage the organisation’s reputation as well as the reputation of the person whose behaviour is in question.
Employers are responsible for setting the example of what is acceptable in the workplace. Creating a workplace culture where all people are respected, and putting in place appropriate policies may reduce employer liability if an inappropriate behaviour happens. Employers need to remember that verbal attacks which harass or hurt an employee can be just as significant as physical threats or attacks.
Employers must ensure the health and safety of workers in the workplace as far as is reasonably practicable. Employees must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and make sure that their acts or omissions don’t have a negative impact on other people’s health and safety.
Bullying in the workplace can create a risk to health and safety. It is a form of misconduct and must be dealt with.
Discrimination against transgender people
A person’s gender identity and expression is a part of who they are, not a lifestyle choice. Transgender people should be protected from discrimination in employment.