Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy

The document titled 'Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy' is an important policy document that outlines the company's commitment to providing a safe working environment free from harassment and bullying. The document applies to all employees, including those under permanent contracts, part-time contracts, interns, volunteers, consultants, and casual workers. The policy aims to create a positive and inclusive workplace culture, free from harassment, bullying, victimization, and discrimination.

 

The document begins with an introduction that emphasizes the company's commitment to a safe working environment and its opposition to all forms of harassment and bullying. It highlights the importance of treating each other with dignity and respect and states that all allegations of harassment or bullying will be taken seriously and investigated.

 

The document then outlines the responsibilities and measures taken by senior management and the HR department to disseminate and implement the policy. It emphasizes the importance of regular training sessions for all employees to ensure awareness of the policy's provisions.

 

The general principles section of the document provides a comprehensive list of protected characteristics, including age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and more. It states that the company has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment and bullying related to these characteristics. The document also clarifies that examples of harassment and bullying listed are not exhaustive and encourages employees to seek advice if they are unsure about a specific incident.

 

The document further explains what constitutes harassment, including hostile, humiliating, intimidating, or offensive treatment that deprives an employee of their dignity. It provides examples of workplace harassment such as insulting gestures, racist or sexist jokes, and derogatory remarks. Similarly, it defines sexual harassment as any form of unwelcome sexual conduct and provides examples such as offensive comments, sending explicit messages, and physical assault.

 

The document also defines bullying as deliberate, repeated aggressive behavior directed towards another person or group with the intention to cause harm. It provides examples of bullying such as abuse of power, exclusion, threats, and personal attacks. It clarifies that legitimate actions such as performance reviews or reasonable instructions do not constitute bullying.

 

The complaint and investigation procedure section outlines the steps employees should take if they experience harassment or bullying. It emphasizes the importance of submitting a written complaint to the immediate supervisor or HR representative, including details of the misconduct, witnesses, and relevant information. It explains that an impartial investigator will be appointed to thoroughly investigate the complaint, which may involve interviews with the complainant, accused, and witnesses.

 

The decision section states that if a violation of the policy is determined, disciplinary action will be taken, including termination if necessary. It also addresses the appeals process, allowing employees to appeal decisions made under the policy if they believe it was wrong or unfair procedures were used.

 

The document concludes with information on how to contact the HR representative for further guidance and states the revision date of the policy.

 

Overall, the 'Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy' document is a comprehensive and detailed policy that highlights the importance of a safe and respectful working environment, provides clear definitions of harassment and bullying, outlines the complaint and investigation procedure, and emphasizes the consequences for violations of the policy.

How to use this document?

1. Familiarize yourself with the policy: Read the 'Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy' document carefully to understand its purpose and scope.

2. Attend training sessions: Participate in the regular training sessions provided by the company to ensure awareness of the policy's provisions.

3. Recognize protected characteristics: Understand the list of protected characteristics mentioned in the policy, including age, disability, gender, race, religion, and sexual orientation.

4. Identify harassment and bullying behaviors: Familiarize yourself with the examples of harassment and bullying provided in the document, such as insulting gestures, offensive comments, and personal attacks.

5. Report incidents: If you experience or witness harassment or bullying, submit a written complaint to your immediate supervisor or HR representative, including all relevant details and any witnesses.

6. Cooperate with the investigation: If your complaint is being investigated, cooperate fully with the appointed investigator, providing any necessary information or participating in interviews.

7. Maintain confidentiality: Respect the confidentiality of the investigation process and refrain from discussing details with parties not involved.

8. Understand the consequences: Be aware that violations of the policy may result in disciplinary action, including termination, depending on the severity of the case.

9. Exercise your right to appeal: If you disagree with a decision made under the policy, you have the right to appeal within 7 working days, providing grounds for your appeal in writing.

10. Seek guidance: If you have any questions or need further guidance, contact your HR representative for assistance.

11. Stay updated: Keep track of any revisions to the policy and familiarize yourself with the latest version to ensure compliance with the company's anti-harassment and bullying guidelines.