Costs and damages to company reputation aside, workplace bullying and harassment pose severe threats to the physical health, psychological 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 address 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 Bullying and Harassment in Australia
Workplace bullying and harassment are serious issues that not only affect individuals but also have 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 Bullying and Harassment
There are three main types of workplace bullying and 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 Bullying and Harassment on Employees, Workplace, and Community
Workplace bullying and harassment have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the individuals directly involved. They affect the health and safety, 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 bullying and harassment create a toxic work environment that affects the overall workplace culture. They erode trust among employees, hamper collaboration, and undermine teamwork. This can lead to decreased morale and a decline in the overall performance of the organization.
Beyond the workplace, the impact of bullying and harassment can extend to the wider community. When employees are subjected to unreasonable behaviour, it not only affects their personal lives but also their relationships with family, friends, and the community at large. By addressing workplace bullying and harassment, organizations can contribute to creating a safer and more inclusive society.
Recognizing and Addressing Workplace Bullying and Harassment
Recognizing workplace bullying and harassment is crucial in order to address them effectively. Employers should provide training and information 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 bullying or harassment is reported, it is essential for employers to take immediate action. This may involve conducting an investigation process, 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 Bullying and Harassment through Policies and Training
Prevention is key when it comes to workplace bullying and harassment. Employers should develop comprehensive bullying and harassment 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 bullying and 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 strategies, 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 bullying and harassment are hidden threats 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 bullying and harassment, organizations can create a safe and inclusive environment that promotes the health and safety and productivity of all employees.
To create a workplace free from bullying and 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 bullying or 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: 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 that should be avoided, and how to respond to and report 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: We can come to your workplace and train your staff, managers, and supervisors.
- Online Bullying and Harassment Training (Video conference): This 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 participants the ability 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 to recognizing harassment.
