Workplace violence and harassment are serious problems which can impact any organisation, regardless of their size or area of business. These problems harm the well-being of citizens and the competitiveness and reputation of businesses themselves. It is necessary to provide professional development programs for addressing workplace bullying and harassment to develop a safe workplace environment.
In this blog, we shall delve into the meaning of workplace violence and harassment, the effects it has on individuals and also businesses, and how the issue could be addressed through workplace bullying and harassment training. Further, we will discuss the importance of workplace bullying and harassment training online in Australia, as well as explain how WHS training courses can offer solutions.
What is Workplace Violence and Harassment?
Workplace violence refers to any act of intimidation or harassment at the place of work that may involve physical violence. It may vary from verbal abuse, threats, to physical attacks, and other forms of abuse. This violence is not only physical, but it may also take the form of mental or emotional harm.
On the other hand, workplace harassment is any undesired behaviour that makes the workplace hostile or intimidating to employees. It includes bullying, discrimination, sexual harassment, and any other conduct that infringes on workers’ dignity.
Types of Workplace Violence
- Physical Violence
All types of physical assault, including hitting, pushing, or injuring another with objects.
- Verbal Abuse
Obscene words, threats, swearing, or shouting directed at someone in a degrading form of speech.
- Psychological Violence
Behaviour that causes mental stress or anxiety (which includes threats or intimidation).
- Sexual Harassment
Unwanted sexual advances, comments, or behaviours that make one feel uncomfortable/unsafe at work.
Examples of Workplace Harassment
- Bullying
Repeated malicious conduct that humiliates or intimidates another person.
- Discrimination
Treating employees in a wrong manner following their race, gender, age, religion, or disability.
- Sexual Harassment
Inappropriate advances or comments of a sexual nature.
- Cyberbullying
Harassing or bullying another individual through cyberspace, such as through the use of email or social media.
Why is Workplace Violence and Harassment a Concern?
Workplace violence and harassment may cause serious emotional, physical, and financial costs to employees and employers, respectively. These will lead to low morale, high turnover rates, absenteeism, low productivity, and legal liabilities.
- Emotional Impact
Workplace violence and harassment victims tend to suffer from anxiety, depression, and stress, making it difficult for them to effectively perform at work.
- Physical Impact
Physical violence can cause injury, chronic health problems, or permanent disabilities.
- Legal Consequences
Employees can pursue legal action and shed their image in case employers fail to tackle violence and harassment in the workplace.
How Bullying and Harassment Training in the Workplace Helps
Workplace bullying and harassment training is important in creating awareness, building understanding, and arming employees with skills to prevent and address the issue properly. These training programs help organisations to create a safe and respectful environment at work for all employees, and this can be helpful to develop a positive organisational culture.
Key Benefits of Training for Workplace Bullying and Harassment
- Prevention
Training assists in the detection of early warning signs of bullying or harassment and equips employees with preventive measures.
- Improved Communication
Training helps improve communication between staff members, thus, allowing them to respond to problems before things get complicated.
- Reduced Conflict
The better any employee is informed about acceptable workplace behaviours, the less likely they will go into harmful action.
- Legal Protection
The right training can help shield businesses against possible legal ramifications and enable them to adhere to applicable levels of workplace safety.
Why Choose Online Training in Australia?
Workplace bullying and harassment training online Australia provides an alternative which is cost and time effective to ensure that all employees are trained appropriately. Employees can learn at their convenience, also at their pace, using online training for courses, which is perfect for those who have busier schedules.
Advantages of Online Workplace Training
- Convenience
It is easier for businesses to enact because employees can access the training at any time and place.
- Consistency
Online courses help all employees get the same high-quality training, despite location.
- Cost-Effective
Online training removes the need for in-person trainers and cuts down travel costs.
- Up-to-date Content
These online training programs are updated regularly to include the most up-to-date workplace safety laws and practices.
WHS Training Courses: An Essential Component for a Safe Workplace
The training courses in workplace health and safety (WHS) is intended to give the employees awareness of what their rights and responsibilities are in relation to safety in the workplace including violence and harassment. The training of WHS includes a variety of safety issues e.g. risk assessment, emergency procedures, and employee protection.
Importance of WHS Training
- Knowledge of Rights and Responsibilities
Employees are made to understand their rights to a safe and healthy work environment and how they may be used to shield themselves from bullying as well as harassment.
- Risk Management
WHS training enables individuals to recognize possible hazards of the workplace and learn how to cope with and avoid such hazards.
- Compliance
Taking measures to ensure that your business follows WHS laws and regulations would prevent legal issues and penalties.
Key Topics Covered in WHS Training Courses
- Workplace Safety
Recognising hazards and putting in place control measures to minimise the risk of violence and harassment.
- Reporting Procedures
Training the employees on the way to report the bullying, harassment, or any other sort of safety incidents as soon as and as discreetly as possible.
- Conflict Resolution
Training the staff on how to handle conflicts with respect and ensure that conflicts do not escalate.
- Mental Health Awareness
Knowing how workplace violence and harassment affect people’s mental health and how to support employees undergoing those circumstances.
How to Implement Effective Workplace Bullying and Harassment Training
For a safe and environment-friendly workplace, there is a need for businesses to implement a complete training program on bullying and harassment. Here’s how to get started:
Steps for Implementing Training
- Assess the Workplace
Determine areas where bullying and harassment are likely to happen.
- Choose the Right Training
Find suitable workplace bullying and harassment training or WHS training courses that relate to your organisation’s needs.
- Engage Employees
Ensure that employees are actively involved in training and understand the significance of dealing with violations and harassment on the job site.
- Provide Ongoing Support
Provide continuous support and refreshers to retain a safe and respectful setup.
Key Training Elements to Include
- Interactive Modules
These aid in keeping employees motivated and making sure they fully understand the material.
- Case Studies
Practical examples may emphasise the effects of workplace violence and harassment.
- Assessments
Normal tests/quizzes guarantee that the employees understand the content and are also able to use it in the workplace.
Conclusion
WHS and Training Compliance – Workplace violence and harassment are serious problems that need proactive resolutions. Businesses can make their workplace a safe working environment and respect the employees through both workplace bullying and harassment, and WHS training courses in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Australia Wide. Whether via face-to-face sessions or online bullying and harassment training in the workplace, the businesses can make investments in training to both prevent and manage workplace violence and harassment effectively.
An integrated approach to resolving these problems will not only save your employees, but it will also contribute to the productivity of your organisation and its image. It is mandatory to consider addressing workplace violence and harassment as being among your continuous obligations towards the well-being of your staff and also the safety of the workplace.
