Introduction

Workplace bullying and harassment are serious issues that can undermine employee well-being, productivity, and organizational culture. These behaviors can take many forms, including verbal, physical, and psychological abuse, and they can negatively impact the mental health of employees and the overall work environment. It is essential for organizations to address bullying and harassment proactively and equip their leaders, managers, and employees with the skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to these behaviors. This training course is designed to raise awareness about workplace bullying and harassment, provide effective strategies for handling incidents, and create a respectful and inclusive work environment where all employees feel safe and valued.

Objectives

By the end of this 5-day course, participants will:

1. Understand the definitions of workplace bullying and harassment, including various forms and behaviors.
2. Recognize the legal, ethical, and organizational implications of workplace bullying and harassment.
3. Learn how to identify, report, and address bullying and harassment in the workplace.
4. Develop strategies for preventing bullying and harassment and promoting a respectful workplace culture.
5. Gain skills in handling and resolving bullying and harassment incidents effectively and with sensitivity.
6. Understand the role of HR and management in creating and maintaining a harassment-free workplace.
7. Learn how to support employees affected by bullying and harassment and assist in their recovery.
8. Understand how to foster an inclusive and respectful work environment through training, policies, and leadership.

Who Should Attend?

• HR professionals responsible for implementing anti-bullying and harassment policies.
• Managers, supervisors, and team leaders who have a direct role in managing employee behavior.
• Employees looking to understand their rights and responsibilities regarding bullying and harassment.
• Organizational leaders committed to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Compliance officers or legal professionals responsible for workplace policies.
• Employees in high-stress or high-risk work environments where bullying and harassment might be more prevalent.
• Anyone involved in designing and implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the workplace.

5-Day Course Outline

Day 1: Understanding Workplace Bullying and Harassment

• Defining Workplace Bullying and Harassment
  • What constitutes bullying and harassment?
  • Types of bullying: verbal, physical, psychological, social exclusion, cyberbullying, and more.
  • Differentiating bullying from other workplace conflicts or management styles.
• The Impact of Bullying and Harassment on Employees and Organizations
  • How bullying and harassment affect employee well-being: mental health, physical health, and productivity.
  • Organizational consequences: turnover, absenteeism, low morale, and legal risks.
  • The hidden costs of workplace bullying and harassment to an organization’s reputation and bottom line.
• Legal Framework and Workplace Policies
  • Overview of local, national, and international laws governing workplace bullying and harassment.
  • Understanding anti-harassment legislation: rights and protections under the law.
  • Organizational responsibilities: policies, procedures, and ensuring a safe working environment.
• Workshop: Identifying examples of bullying and harassment in the workplace and differentiating them from non-harassment behaviors.

Day 2: Recognizing and Addressing Bullying and Harassment

• Recognizing the Signs of Bullying and Harassment
  • Behavioral indicators of bullying and harassment: direct and indirect signs.
  • How bullying can manifest in different workplace settings and contexts.
  • Identifying subtle or hidden forms of harassment (e.g., microaggressions).
• How to Report Bullying and Harassment
  • Encouraging employees to report incidents of bullying and harassment: how to create a reporting culture.
  • Different channels for reporting: HR, management, anonymous reporting systems.
  • The role of managers in addressing complaints and taking them seriously.
• Responding to Bullying and Harassment
  • Immediate steps for addressing incidents: how to intervene when bullying occurs.
  • Providing support to victims of bullying and harassment.
  • Investigating complaints: best practices for ensuring fairness, confidentiality, and sensitivity.
• Workshop: Role-playing scenarios to practice how to address and respond to bullying and harassment complaints effectively.

Day 3: Preventing Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace

• Creating a Respectful and Inclusive Workplace Culture
  • Developing and promoting workplace values that prioritize respect, dignity, and inclusion.
  • Fostering an environment where diversity is embraced, and harassment is not tolerated.
  • The role of leadership in setting the tone for an anti-bullying and harassment culture.
• Training and Awareness Programs
  • Designing and implementing training programs for employees, managers, and leaders.
  • Raising awareness about bullying and harassment prevention in everyday workplace interactions.
  • Encouraging bystander intervention: empowering employees to act when they witness inappropriate behavior.
• HR Policies and Procedures for Preventing Bullying and Harassment
  • Crafting comprehensive anti-bullying and harassment policies: clear guidelines, expectations, and consequences.
  • Creating prevention plans that include ongoing monitoring and feedback loops.
  • The role of HR in enforcing policies and maintaining accountability.
• Workshop: Developing a workplace bullying and harassment prevention plan tailored to your organization.

Day 4: Supporting Victims of Bullying and Harassment

• The Impact on Victims
  • Psychological and emotional effects of bullying and harassment on employees.
  • The long-term consequences: how victims can be affected by trauma, stress, and loss of confidence.
• Providing Support to Employees
  • How HR and management can support victims: creating safe spaces, providing counseling, and access to employee assistance programs (EAPs).
  • The importance of empathy and active listening when dealing with complaints.
  • Strategies for supporting employees through recovery and reintegration into the workplace.
• Developing a Supportive Organizational Environment
  • Encouraging open communication and trust between employees and HR/management.
  • Providing resources for education, personal development, and self-care.
  • Legal protections and workplace adjustments for victims of harassment.
• Workshop: Creating a victim support plan that integrates resources and policies within the workplace.

Day 5: Managing and Resolving Bullying and Harassment Incidents

• Conducting Effective Investigations
  • How to investigate bullying and harassment complaints in a fair, confidential, and impartial manner.
  • Key steps in conducting an investigation: gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and documenting findings.
  • Handling the outcome: managing consequences for perpetrators and ensuring victim protection.
• Mediation and Conflict Resolution
  • The role of mediation in resolving bullying and harassment incidents.
  • When and how to use third-party mediation or conflict resolution services.
  • Facilitating constructive conversations to rebuild relationships after incidents of bullying or harassment.
• Monitoring and Evaluating Anti-Bullying and Harassment Efforts
  • Measuring the effectiveness of anti-bullying and harassment initiatives and policies.
  • How to track progress and make improvements to workplace culture.
  • Regular check-ins with employees to ensure that bullying and harassment are not recurring issues.
• Workshop: Designing a comprehensive action plan for resolving bullying and harassment incidents in your workplace.

Final Assessment and Certification

• Assessment: A comprehensive exam that covers the concepts, legal frameworks, reporting, prevention, and intervention strategies discussed throughout the course.
• Certification.