Page 33 - GBC English Fall 2019

WorkSafe BC has created guidelines to support employers in responding effectively:
ENCOURAGE everyone at the workplace to act towards others in a respectful and professional manner.
HAVE a workplace policy in place that includes a reporting system.
EDUCATE everyone that bullying is a serious matter.
TRY TO WORK OUT solutions before the situation gets serious or “out of control.”
EDUCATE everyone about what is considered bullying, and whom they can go to for help.
TREAT all complaints seriously, and deal with complaints promptly and con dentially.
TRAIN supervisors and managers in how to deal with complaints and potential situations. Encourage them to address situations promptly whether or not a formal complaint has been led.
HAVE an impartial third party help with the resolution, if necessary.
They recommend that organizations act as soon as possible, not ignore any potential problems and not delay resolution.
Employers large and small must implement procedures for responding to reports or incidents of bullying and harassment. The procedures must ensure a reasonable response to the report or incident and aim to fully address the incident and ensure that bullying and harassment is prevented or mini- mized in the future. Investigations into the incident may be required or an impartial third party may be a
resource for resolving the situation or restoring the workplace after an investigation has taken place.
In addition to clear policies and procedures, other best practices include a no-reprisals policy, con dential whistleblower lines, a workplace Ombudsman and due diligence on new hires.
HOW CAN WE BE PROACTIVE?
Thankfully, today’s work climate is changing. Top organizations are less reactive and more proactive than ever before. Employee wellness has become a priority because happy, engaged employees are more productive, collaborative, and innovative and will be much more client focused. Meeting and exceeding client expectations is next to impossible if trust between co- workers is broken, they are not engaged, appreciated, or acknow- ledged for the good work they do.
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