At Health Academy, we understand the importance of a healthy and productive work environment. One key element in achieving this is ensuring everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. Unfortunately, bullying and harassment can create a toxic atmosphere that impacts employee morale, productivity, and even leads to legal trouble.
That’s why we’re proud to offer comprehensive bullying and harassment training. This training goes beyond simply ticking a compliance box. It empowers employees to identify, understand, and prevent these issues, fostering a culture of respect and open communication. Here’s why prioritising bullying and harassment training is critical for your organisation.
The High Cost of a Hostile Workplace
It is estimated that cases of bullying at work costs companies £2 billion a year. This includes factors like absenteeism, decreased productivity, and increased healthcare costs as well as litigation and investigation into the cases.
According to a recent report carried out by YouGov, almost a third (29%) of people are bullied at work. This causes 36% of victims to quit their role. 46% of victims said it ‘adversely’ affected their performance at work.
Case Study: Bullying at a large energy company
A large UK-based energy company faced backlash and legal action after allegations of bullying and harassment surfaced within the organisation. The incident involved a manager who subjected employees to verbal abuse, intimidation, and unfair treatment.
The allegations led to a formal investigation by the company, finding the manager’s behaviour violated their policies. The manager was subsequently dismissed from their position. However, the damage to the company’s reputation was significant. The incident was widely reported in the media, leading to negative publicity and a decline in customer confidence.
In response to the scandal, the company implemented new policies and procedures to prevent bullying and harassment in the future. These measures included mandatory training for all employees, the establishment of a dedicated helpline for reporting incidents, and the appointment of a senior executive responsible for overseeing the company’s anti-bullying and harassment initiatives.
Case Study: Bullying at a Healthcare Provider
A healthcare worker at a UK provider was subjected to a campaign of bullying and harassment after raising concerns about patient safety to her manager. The incident was eventually reported to the relevant regulatory body, which launched an investigation.
The investigation found that the healthcare worker had been subjected to a range of abusive behaviours, including verbal abuse, threats, and exclusion from team meetings. The employer was found to have failed in its duty of care by not taking appropriate steps to address the situation.
As a result of the investigation, the employer was ordered to take corrective action, including implementing new policies and procedures to prevent bullying and harassment, providing training for all employees, and offering counselling to the affected healthcare worker. The employer was also issued a warning by the regulatory body, which could have led to more serious consequences if the issues had not been addressed.
The case highlighted the importance of creating a safe and supportive work environment for employees who raise concerns about patient safety. It also demonstrated the consequences that employers can face if they fail to take appropriate action to address bullying and harassment.
Why Your Company Should Invest In Bullying and Harassment Training
Investing in bullying and harassment training can have a profound impact on a workplace, fostering a healthier, more productive environment for both employees and the business as a whole. Here are some key benefits:
Improved Employee Morale and Well-being
- Increased job satisfaction: Employees who feel safe and respected are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs.
- Reduced stress: A workplace free from bullying and harassment can significantly reduce employee stress levels.
- Enhanced mental health: Bullying and harassment can have a detrimental impact on mental health. Training can help employees recognize and address these issues.
Increased Productivity and Efficiency
- Reduced absenteeism: Employees who feel valued and supported are less likely to take sick days due to stress or related health issues.
- Improved focus: A positive work environment allows employees to concentrate on their tasks without the distraction of bullying or harassment.
- Enhanced teamwork: When employees feel respected, they are more likely to collaborate effectively and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
Stronger Company Culture
- Positive reputation: A workplace known for its commitment to preventing bullying and harassment can attract and retain top talent.
- Increased trust: Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to trust their employer and be loyal to the company.
- Improved customer satisfaction: A positive work environment can lead to better customer service and increased customer satisfaction.
Legal Compliance and Risk Mitigation
- Adherence to regulations: Many jurisdictions have specific laws and regulations regarding bullying and harassment in the workplace. Training can help businesses stay compliant.
- Reduced legal liability: By taking proactive steps to prevent bullying and harassment, businesses can reduce their risk of lawsuits and other legal issues.
Improved Business Performance
- Enhanced innovation: A positive work environment can foster creativity and innovation.
- Increased profitability: A productive and engaged workforce can lead to improved business performance and increased profitability.
In conclusion, investing in bullying and harassment training is not just a legal requirement; it’s a sound business decision. By creating a workplace where employees feel safe, respected, and valued, businesses can reap the benefits of improved morale, productivity, and overall performance.
Bullying & Harassment
This Bullying & Harassment in the Workplace training course is for ALL employees. It provides practical steps and conscientious guidance to help prevent, identify and confidently confront bullying and harassment at work.
Bullying & Harassment for Management
This Bullying & Harassment in the workplace training course is for the leaders and managers in your organisation. It will help management to create a positive culture by providing practical guidance for preventing, handling and tackling bullying and harassment at work.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
This Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Training course was created in collaboration with global EDI experts and introduces the protected characteristics, discrimination, victimisation, and unfair treatment within a professional environment.
