Bullying is often a form of harassment and may manifest itself in many ways. It is usually persistent and can be done by a manager, colleague or group of people to another individual. It is insidious and often undermines the ability and confidence of the person who is suffering it. It can lead to fear, demotivation, isolation, poor concentration, and reduced output, symptoms of stress and high sickness absence levels.
Both harassment and bullying are about an abuse of power whether by physical strength, force of personality or position of authority. If bullying involves issues of gender, race or disability then legislation may apply. As with any form of harassment, it is contrary to The BMWS’ Equal Opportunities Policy and as such disciplinary action may be invoked.
Examples of Harassment and Bullying:
• Sexual HarassmentMale line manager repeatedly touches a female junior member of staff against her wishes
Pictures of scantily clad males or females which cause offence to either sex Use of explicit sexual language either in jokes or general conversation in a way that may give offence.
Pictures of scantily clad males or females which cause offence to either sex Use of explicit sexual language either in jokes or general conversation in a way that may give offence.
• Racial HarassmentJunior members of staff persistently use stereotypical gestures when dealing with a black manager
Racist graffiti Racist jokes, derogatory nicknames or offensive T-shirt comments
Racist graffiti Racist jokes, derogatory nicknames or offensive T-shirt comments
• Disability HarassmentColleagues repeatedly making fun of a deaf person behind their back, throwing objects at them to gain their attention deliberate use of comments such as “Are you blind” to someone with visual impairments Deliberately making it difficult for a person in a wheel chair to leave the room by placing bulky packages in their path
Bullying
Shouting at individuals in a public environment
Consistently targeting a single member of staff whose work has to be checked
One group of staff refusing to talk to an individual
Consistently undermining a line manager
These examples are not exhaustive but provide a cross section of non-verbal, verbal and physical ways in which an individual or group of individuals can be harassed or bullied. More details of unacceptable behaviour are available in the Staff Handbook (Chapter 5) together with some of the common reasons why individuals may be harassed in the workplace.visit our website at www.muslicare.info
