While we’re often taught about the impact of bullying and harassment in schools, we aren’t often focused on the issue in a workplace setting. However, bullying and harassment in the workplace are very serious issues. After all, there’s a reason why this topic is included in compliance training for employees.
If bullying and harassment occur at the workplace, it can negatively affect the overall environment because it is an ongoing and repeated behavior involving misuse of power and harmful behaviors. As such, employees may begin feeling unhappy, distracted, and unmotivated, all of which lead to unproductive behavior and higher levels of absenteeism and staff turnover.
Bullying and harassment don’t only affect one person, but they can affect the entire company because of reduced productivity, performance rates, as well as low morale, and retention rates. Let’s take a deeper look at why it’s crucial to prevent bullying and harassment in the office and why you should include this topic in compliance training courses.
- Strengthens employee retention
Employees are likely to stay at a company with a safe work environment rather than quit due to excessive bullying and harassment. This will mean spending less time and money recruiting, hiring, and training new employees to replace those who quit.
- Increases morale
Demonstrating respect at work will have employees feel valued and empowered. When that happens, they feel safer and more comfortable in the workplace, working harder as a result.
- Reduced absenteeism
Did you know that unplanned absences can cost employers billions a year? Unplanned absences can be caused by the fear of going to work due to bullying and harassment. Lower rates of absenteeism will save a lot on replacement costs, benefits claims, and overtime pay.
- Create a stronger corporate culture
Companies with a negative reputation for bullying and harassment won’t be able to attract quality talent. But if you take on a proactive approach to these issues, you encourage employees to further bring their commitment and skills to the company.
- Increased productivity levels
Because of the reduced turnover rate and absenteeism, employees will be able to work better and have higher levels of productivity at work. You will also avoid any substantial productivity loss in the long run.
Now that you know the importance of preventing bullying and harassment, how can you prevent it?
Other than training, it all begins and developing and implementing a strong policy related to the issue. This will show the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment for everyone while promoting a more positive work culture. It will also ensure the company remains compliant in this area.
For employees, an anti-bullying policy helps them identify and define unacceptable behavior at work. Furthermore, they have guidance to the proper contacts and resources for assistance in case related issues come up.
Wrapping It Up
This is your sign to spruce up your compliance training and add more lessons on how to address bullying and harassment in the office.
