Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying is now recognised as a major health and safety issue facing many New Zealand workplaces. The new Health and Safety at Work Act is expected to come into force in 2015, and increases personal responsibility and liability for directors and senior management. It also increases worker participation, and penalties for breaches.

It is now more important than ever that New Zealand workplaces understand workplace bullying, and are proactive in addressing the issue in their workplace.

Is workplace bullying an issue in your workplace?

 

Examples of Workplace Bullying

• offensive or humiliating comments
• being treated unfairly
• constant criticism and "micro-management"
• being undermined
• excessive or unreasonable work demands
• unreasonably denying someone's training or promotion opportunities
• derogatory or belittling comments
• withholding or concealing necessary information

 

Costs and Effects of Bullying

For individuals experiencing workplace bullying, the effects can be significant and damaging. They may include anxiety, depression, self-doubt, avoidance, not wanting to go to work, loss of confidence, worrying, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, stress-related physical conditions, and difficulty performing your normal work tasks.

For businesses and companies the cost are huge, related to absenteeism, loss of productivity, replacing staff who leave because of bullying, accidents and mistakes, low morale, poor communication, and increased penalties for employers or senior managers for health and safety breaches.

 

If you are being Bullied at Work

As New Zealanders we have the right to a safe workplace, free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Workplace bullying can be managed effectively. There are things you can do, and we can help. Confidentiality guaranteed.

Contact us: m. 027 2411 805

 

Workshops:

Taking the Bully by the Horns

Workplace bullying is unfortunately a common occurrence in New Zealand workplaces, and it's estimated that at any one time 10% of workers may be experiencing bullying in the workplace. It can be incredibly costly for people and businesses, and difficult to identify and manage, however with greater understanding and some practical tools for managing workplace bullying, it doesn't have to be.

This workshop will enable you to clearly understand the complex issue of workplace bullying, including:

• what bullying is and is not
• why bullying happens
• costs and effects of bullying
• current bullying research
• new legislative requirements
• responsibilities for those in management positions
• informal and formal methods for managing workplace bullying

Note – this workshop can be tailored for those in either staff or management positions as required.

 

Contact us: m. 027 2411 805

 

 

Bullying issues in your workplace?

Bullying at work causes huge stress

Not Fair isn't Bullying

Some practices in the workplace may not seem fair but are not bullying.

Firm, direct leadership is not bullying.

Not getting your way in a work situation does not mean you are being bullied.

Your employer is allowed to transfer, demote, discipline, counsel, retrench or sack you (as long as they are acting reasonably).

Managers make decisions about sub-standard performance, take disciplinary action, and direct and control the way work is carried out.

Reasonable management action that is carried out in a reasonable way is
not bullying.