Anti-bullying Corporate Policy: The Key to End Corporate Bullying Behavior

by Dec 1, 2015

The purpose of an anti-bullying corporate policy is to communicate to all personnel, including the management and the executive that the organization does not tolerate any form of bullying behavior which threatens civility at work. Such policies shall address bullying which may lead to disciplinary actions, even to termination if necessary.

In drafting a policy, it must first define bullying so as to make clear what actions constitute bullying and what actions may lead to sanctions. One must also expressly state that such behaviors constitute bullying and violates the company’s code of ethics which clearly states that all employees must be treated with respect.

The policy must also make it clear that bullying may be intentional or unintentional, and that the intention to bully is irrelevant and will not be given consideration. What is important is the conduct’s effect to an individual. In building a civil workplace, it is essential that bullying be clearly defined and classified as verbal, physical, gesture, and exclusion. It is also important to enumerate all the actions which fall to such classifications of bullying.

Nevertheless, if things turn to be out of hand, one should always consider seeking for legal advice for proper grievance and redress. Furthermore, one may also consider seeking professional help through workplace bullying consulting.

To learn more, click here for full article.

Civility is the platform for organizational success—it is absolutely necessary for an organization to reach its goals. Download our Ebook on Seeking Civility to learn more on how to create a workplace free of bullying and abusive conduct.

 

About Catherine Mattice

Catherine Mattice, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is President of consulting and training firm, Civility Partners, and has been successfully providing programs in workplace bullying and building positive workplaces since 2007. Her clients include Fortune 500’s, the military, several universities and hospitals, government agencies, small businesses and nonprofits. She has published in a variety of trade magazines and has appeared several times on NPR, FOX, NBC, and ABC as an expert, as well as in USA Today, Inc Magazine, Huffington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine, and more. Catherine is Past-President of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), San Diego Chapter and teaches at National University. In his book foreword, Ken Blanchard called her book, BACK OFF! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work, “the most comprehensive and valuable handbook on the topic.” She recently released a second book entitled, SEEKING CIVILITY: How Leaders, Managers and HR Can Create a Workplace Free of Bullying.

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