What is workplace bullying?
What are the causes of workplace bullying?
Common drivers that cause bullying
Responding to bullying during the COVID-19 pandemic
How HR team can respond and support employees
HR should keep anti-bullying polices, disciplinary policies and procedures in place. If the company has a HRIS system in place, there should be a section where employees can escalate these issues as grievances or complaints within the system against the perpetrator.
HR needs to create an environment where anyone can ask for help. It is important to get the supervisors understand that many employees who work from home will be unable to do all the tasks they would in a typical work environment for a number of reasons, some of which could be limited access to systems, caring responsibilities, sharing working environments with other household members and the stress resulting from high workload.
Prioritize connection and communication within all levels. It is important to understand and acknowledge the changes that the staff goes through and give them access to discuss their struggles with their supervisors openly.
How can colleagues support each other
One of the best things that keep us going at a workplace is the friendships we form along the way. Colleagues can play a major role in supporting with the struggles that an employee goes through.
Lookout for changes in behavior of colleagues. If someone is overly quiet, upset or disconnecting from the team, make an effort to speak to them, get them to open up to you. If you see or hear inappropriate behavior directed towards a colleague, speak up and make clear that the behavior is unacceptable. Check in with your colleague on the receiving end of the inappropriate behavior and let them know they are supported.
Support them with their workload and encourage them to address the issue. Help your colleague understand that it is not their fault, encourage them to address the issue with the perpetrator or even direct them to the HR department. It is everyone’s equal responsibility to create a positive workplace culture to increase employee wellbeing and focus on a healthy work environment will boost employee morale and productivity.
Vichalya Wijesuriya
Heading the marketing team for hSenidBiz and PeoplesHR, Vichalya focuses on creating compelling marketing experiences with the product, people, and brand together. Being involved in the HR Tech industry & having gained over 8 years of domain experience, she closely monitors HR trends and patterns in the ever changing corporate world. Vichalya joined hSenid in 2013, bringing with her a decade of marketing and leadership experience
Vichalya Wijesuriya
Director Marketing & Corporate Communication
