POLICY & PROCEDURE
The most effective way of dealing with bullying at work is to have an agreed policy, which sets out clearly what is acceptable behaviour and what is not, and which sets out the sanctions that will be invoked if people go beyond the bounds of that acceptable behaviour.
The policy may be part of an overall policy on harassment or it may be a specific policy on bullying. However, The AAC believes that a separate policy which names bullying and deals with it specifically, so that people recognise that it is an undesirable form of behaviour and an important issue in its own right, is the 'best practice' method of tackling the issue.
Anti-bullying policies and procedures are extensions of an organisation's equal opportunity, diversity or dignity at work policies. They also link into grievance and disciplinary procedures. However, the normal grievance procedure will not always be sufficient, a 'best practice' control system should, we believe, be developed for improving the work environment and combating bullying and harassment within the organisation as it will give employees clear guidelines on the type of behaviour you expect.
The AAC provides advice and development on guiding principles, policies and procedures as the bedrock of ensuring an organisational climate free from bullying behaviours and will ensure that they are both appropriate and effective. We will assist with policy implementation through communication, training and monitoring processes, measurement, evaluation and review.
Our consultancy team encourages corporate clients to allow established best practice to influence their future direction.
PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN
Once the policy and attendant procedures have been accepted the organisation should then establish a variety of means for publicity and awareness raising by running a promotional campaign. This will mean the design and manufacture of a poster and leaflet as well as text to be placed in induction packs.
The Policy should be well publicised to all members of staff by means of a leaflet mailed to each employee and posters designed to be placed on notice boards etc. Within these publications will be a request for volunteers to come forward to be interviewed / selected and trained as Harassment Advisers.
Details of the policy document should also be placed in staff induction packs and programmes. Text for the leaflet and staff handbook as well as the design for both the leaflet and poster will be provided by the AAC who can also arrange for all the printing.
If you would like more information, call The Andrea Adams Consultancy on 01273 275099
