Workplace bullying is repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or a group of workers that can lead to physical or psychological harm.
When bullying occurs, employers need to:
· Take all allegations seriously and act promptly.
· Set timelines and deal with reports/complaints as soon as possible after they are received.
· Clearly communicate the process. This means telling the people involved what they are going to do, keeping them updated and informed of any delays to timelines.
· Protect the people involved from victimisation and let them know what support is available to them. Tell the people involved that they can have a support person present at interviews or meetings.
· Maintain privacy (confidentiality) for all parties involved by ensuring details of the matter are only known to those directly concerned (except their representative or support person).
· Treat the people involved fairly. This includes getting someone unbiased and trained to look into the allegation/s and then making decisions on how to deal with the allegation/s based on the facts.
The following laws protect people from bullying in the workplace.
· Employment Relations Act 2000
· Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
· The Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015
When complaints of bullying cannot or are not dealt with internally, government agencies can help.
You can go to www.worksafe.govt.nz for information on dealing with workplace bullying and www.employment.govt.nz has information for employers and employees about each parties’ rights and obligations to prevent and deal with workplace bullying.
Further information is available on our website, www.cab.org.nz or you can call, email or visit a CAB office for free, confidential help about an issue in the workplace.
This Solutions Column has been compiled by Vani and is a regular Times editorial from the Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga/Eastern.
Email enquiries.pakuranga@cab.org.nz Phone 09 576 8331 or visit us at the Library Building, Pakuranga.
You can also email our Botany offices botany@cab.org.nz or Phone 09 271 5382 or visit us as at Botany CAB, rear Food Court entrance, Botany Town Centre.
