Costs and damages to company reputation aside, workplace harassment poses severe threats to the mental health and safety of customers and employees. As a business owner, the responsibility of prevention automatically falls on your shoulder.Recognizing workplace harassment and bullying is crucial in order to addressing it effectively.
Of course, you cannot possibly address harassment in its totality without knowing the nature of these behaviours and the different shapes they come in, which is why we thought you would find this list of harassment types helpful.
Legal Implications of Workplace Harassment in Australia
Workplace harassment is a serious issue that not only affects individuals but also has legal implications. In Australia, there are laws in place to protect employees from harassment and ensure a safe working environment. The Fair Work Act of 2009 prohibits any form of harassment, discrimination, or bullying at the workplace. Violations of these laws can lead to legal consequences for the perpetrators and their employers.
Harassment can take many forms, including verbal, physical, or psychological. It is important for employers to be aware of these different types of harassment and take appropriate measures to prevent and address them. Failure to do so can result in legal action and damage to the reputation of the organization. By understanding and complying with the legal requirements, employers can create a workplace that is inclusive and respectful for all employees.
Understanding the Different Types of Workplace Harassment
There are three main types of workplace harassment: discriminatory harassment, physical harassment, and sexual harassment. Each type has its own characteristics and impacts on the individuals involved.
Discriminatory Harassment
Discriminatory harassment occurs when an individual is targeted based on their race, gender, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. This can manifest in derogatory comments, offensive jokes, exclusion from work activities, or unfair treatment. Discriminatory harassment not only affects the targeted individual but also creates a hostile work environment for others.
Physical Harassment
Physical harassment involves any unwanted physical contact or aggressive behavior towards an individual. This can include pushing, hitting, or any other form of physical assault. Physical harassment not only causes immediate harm but also creates fear and anxiety in the workplace. It is important for employers to have clear policies in place to prevent and address physical harassment.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a form of harassment that is based on gender and involves unwanted sexual advances, comments, or behavior. This can range from inappropriate jokes and comments to more serious offenses such as sexual assault. Sexual harassment not only violates the rights of the targeted individual but also has a significant impact on their mental and emotional well-being.
The Impact of Workplace Harassment on Employees, Workplace, and Community
Workplace harassment has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the individuals directly involved. It affects the well-being and productivity of the targeted employees, leading to decreased job satisfaction and increased stress levels. This, in turn, can result in absenteeism, reduced productivity, and high turnover rates.
Furthermore, workplace harassment creates a toxic work environment that affects the overall workplace culture. It erodes trust among employees, hampers collaboration, and undermines teamwork. This can lead to decreased morale and a decline in the overall performance of the organization.
Beyond the workplace, the impact of harassment can extend to the wider community. When employees are subjected to harassment, it not only affects their personal lives but also their relationships with family, friends, and the community at large. By addressing workplace harassment, organizations can contribute to creating a safer and more inclusive society.
Recognizing and Addressing Workplace Harassment
Recognizing workplace harassment is crucial in order to address it effectively. Employers should provide training to employees to help them identify and report instances of harassment. This can include educating employees about the different types of harassment, providing examples of inappropriate behavior, and informing them about the company’s policies and procedures for reporting harassment.
When an instance of harassment is reported, it is essential for employers to take immediate action. This may involve conducting an investigation, providing support to the victim, and disciplining the perpetrator. It is important for organizations to have a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and to communicate this clearly to all employees.
Preventing Workplace Harassment through Policies and Training
Prevention is key when it comes to workplace harassment. Employers should develop comprehensive policies that explicitly state the organization’s commitment to providing a safe and respectful workplace. These policies should outline the types of behavior that are unacceptable and the consequences for engaging in such behavior.
In addition to policies, employers should provide regular training to employees on the prevention of harassment. This can include workshops, seminars, or online courses that educate employees on their rights and responsibilities, as well as strategies for creating a respectful work environment. By investing in prevention, employers can create a culture that values respect, inclusion, and diversity.
Conclusion and the Importance of Creating a Safe and Inclusive Workplace Environment in Australia
In conclusion, workplace harassment is a hidden threat that can have devastating effects on individuals, organizations, and communities. It is important for employers in Australia to understand the different types of harassment and the legal implications associated with them. By recognizing and addressing workplace harassment, organizations can create a safe and inclusive environment that promotes the well-being and productivity of all employees.
To create a workplace free from harassment, it is essential for employers to have clear policies in place, provide training to employees, and take immediate action when instances of harassment occur. By investing in prevention, organizations can foster a culture of respect and inclusivity. Together, let us work towards creating a workplace environment in Australia where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
If you or someone you know is experiencing workplace harassment, it is important to seek support. Contact your HR department or a trusted authority to report the incident and access the resources available to you. Remember, you have the right to work in a safe and respectful environment.
We are offering Workplace Bullying and Harassment training in different training formats, with two different learning outcomes.
Our Training Programs
Workplace Bullying and Harassment for Employees, where we train employees to understand how the law defines bullying and harassment in the workplace, inform about the employee and employer’s legal and ethical responsibilities, workplace behaviours should be avoided, responding and reporting bullying and harassment that is occurring within the workplace.
Workplace Bullying and Harassment for Managers and Supervisors, we focus on managers and supervisors’ legal responsibilities, and how to effectively respond, investigate, and resolve reports of workplace bullying and harassment.
Training Platforms:
Onsite training, where we can come to your workplace and train your staff, managers and supervisors.
Our Online Bullying and Harassment Training (Video conference) is the perfect avenue to begin this mission. It is a four-hour training facilitated by our in-house industry expert where you will gain a deeper understanding of the different types of workplace violence. After the course, you will be set to develop and implement anti-harassment policies and drive your organisation towards compliance with Work Health and Safety laws.
Online E-Learning, self-paced provides which the participants are able to control the amount of material they consume and the duration of time they need to learn the new information.
Start your training today. Call 07 5499 2406 or visit our Online Courses to learn more.