Council says “harassment stops here” during Anti-Bullying Week
This week (20 – 24 November) is national Anti-Bullying Week and while many associate bullying with the school playground unfortunately, for some people, harassment continues into their adult lives.
Like many other employers, Warwickshire County Council takes the issue of staff harassment and bullying very seriously - whether it is to do with colour, gender, disability, age, religion, national origin or anything else.
So the council has trained a team of employees to offer confidential harassment advice and will soon be launching an updated information leaflet telling staff where they can go for support if they feel they have been bullied.
Judith Coote, Senior HR Consultant for Warwickshire County Council, said: “Staff feedback tells us that bullying and harassment is a problem that we are tackling, thanks to our zero tolerance policy, but we must not become complacent.
“Warwickshire County Council takes this issue very seriously. It is important that all our employees know we have a zero tolerance policy on bullying and harassment, and that the support is there for anyone who feels that they have been harassed.”
According to The National Bullying Helpline, bullying is a major cause of staff grievance, high stress levels and high absenteeism, which will cost the public sector £1.8 billion over the next year. A report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), published last month, shows that over 20% of UK workers have been bullied over the last 2 years, with the highest levels reported in the public sector.
Judith Coote continues: “At Warwickshire County Council, we have supported a group of staff who have volunteered to become Harassment Contacts and offer advice and support. During 2006 we have recruited more staff to undertake this role. Publicity material on our attitude to harassment is also included in all induction packs for new staff.”
Morgon Evans, a Network Support Team Leader at the council who volunteered to become a Harassment Contact, said: “I heard the council was very active against harassment and I wanted to do my bit to help. I believe helping our colleagues is fundamental to a happy and healthy working environment.”
Harbie Atwal, an Admin Assistant in County Highways Operations, said: “I had personal experience of being on the receiving end! By volunteering I feel now the opportunity through this role to help others who may be experiencing similar problems.”
Alison Hallam, a Road Safety Campaigns & Events Officer at the council who also volunteered, said: “In all walks of life it helps to talk. We spend so much time at work that it’s especially important for people to have the support of a ‘listening’ ear from time to time.”