The do’s and don’ts of complaint handling

It’s only right – and lawful – that we focus our efforts on preventing bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination in our workplaces. But sadly, even with the best will in the world, reports of unacceptable behaviour are likely to occur from time to time. How we, as leaders, address complaints is as important as how […]

What’s the difference between bullying, harassment and discrimination?

When dealing with toxic behaviour in the workplace, you may hear various terms describing unacceptable conduct such as ‘bullying’, ‘harassment’ or ‘discrimination’. While on the face of it all three sound very similar, they each have their own distinct definition. As an employer, you have a duty to do all you can to prevent and […]

Unveiling Workplace Bullying: Understanding its Forms and Impact

Workplace bullying is a concerning issue that can significantly impact an individual’s well-being and productivity. In this blog post, we aim to shed light on what constitutes bullying at work, covering overt and covert examples of bullying. Additionally, we will provide a clear definition of gaslighting, a manipulative tactic often employed by bullies. It’s important […]

5 Top Tips for Raising a Complaint About Harassment at Work

Addressing workplace harassment is crucial for maintaining a safe and respectful work environment. If you find yourself facing harassment, it’s important to know how to effectively raise a complaint and seek resolution. In this blog post, we present five top tips to guide you through the process, ensuring a better chance of achieving a positive […]

Spreading Rumours at Work: Understanding the Impact and Promoting a Healthy Workplace

In today’s professional environment, fostering a positive and productive workplace is crucial for employee well-being and organisational success. However, certain negative behaviours can undermine this harmony, and one such behaviour is spreading rumours at work. Rumours, fuelled by gossip and misinformation, can quickly create a toxic atmosphere, erode trust, and lead to serious consequences for […]

Navigating Workplace Investigations: A Comprehensive Guide to Investigation Duration

Workplace investigations are a crucial aspect of maintaining a fair and respectful work environment. When allegations of misconduct or policy violations arise, organisations must undertake a thorough investigation to gather evidence, determine the facts, and make informed decisions. One common question that often arises during this process is: “How long does a workplace investigation take?” […]

Is it ever just banter?

“It’s just banter. Can’t you take a joke?” We’ve all heard that one. Banter is common in workplaces and banter isn’t always “bad”; it can be an effective way to build relationships and grow camaraderie. But, there is a very thin line between banter and bullying, harassment or discrimination. Left unchecked or not taken seriously, […]

Bullying and exclusion at work

When you think of bullying it may conjure scenes – or perhaps bad memories – of name-calling in the playground, “funny” notes stuck on your back or stolen lunch money. I hate to say it but bullying is not just a young person’s game; sadly it’s alive and well in workplaces across the country. But, […]

Diversity quotas: Do they work?

We all know that diverse companies foster innovative and productive work environments that support revenue growth, retain employees and attract the best talent. Yet, how do we achieve this? Organisations want to recruit the best people. However, research shows that companies are not necessarily recruiting on merit, but hiring those who are like the people […]

Top 5 mistakes leaders make in managing workplace conflict

Did you know workplace conflict is costing UK employers £28.5bn a year? According to a report, published by Acas, the cost to companies as a result of conflict comes from resignations, absences and presenteeism, as well as the cost of replacing employees and the management time involved in investigating grievances. Conflict doesn’t, therefore, just impact […]

A guide to workplace investigations: bullying complaints

Bullying may seem like a word we left behind in the playground, but sadly it’s an everyday occurrence in workplaces across the UK. According to SME Loans, who conducted a survey of 2,000 UK-based employees, 23% had been bullied, 25% said they felt left out at work and 12% admitted to struggling to make friends […]

Back to basics: Motherhood Penalty

What is the motherhood penalty? The motherhood penalty refers to a systemic bias in the workplace that disadvantages mothers in terms of wages, perceived competence and opportunity. There is a 7% difference in pay between mothers and non-mothers working full-time, according to the TUC. This gap is even greater than that between men and non-mothers, […]