Battling Bullying & Harassment in the Workplace—MRA Recommendations

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Battling Bullying & Harassment in the Workplace—MRA Recommendations

MILWAUKEE, WI (February 13, 2020) Why is it important to stop workplace bullying and harassment? There are many reasons, but a top reason is that employees who are harassed or bullied by coworkers or supervisors tend to leave the company. This turnover affects a company’s bottom line due to loss of knowledge and costs of replacing employees, but more importantly, negatively impacts the company’s culture and creates a disruptive work environment.

5 ways to minimize harassment and bullying in the workplace:

1. Have a workplace harassment policy in place that includes verbal abuses and anti-bullying procedures.
    
2. Be vigilant. Employers should ensure they are in a position to observe day-to-day activity and interactions so they can recognize and inquire about any harassment, intimidation or other types of bullying that appear to be happening.
    
3. Create and model a culture of respect for individuals. Set values, policies, and codes of conduct to reinforce a positive and inclusive workplace.
    
4. Train managers, supervisors and employees on the policies and procedures. Make sure the organization acts consistently and effectively to prevent and stop the negative behaviors.
    
5. Don’t drop the ball. Promptly respond to a problem or concern. Make the complaint a priority. Take appropriate action when harassment or bullying is identified. The only way to eliminate this negative behavior is to promptly address it when it occurs.

When harassment and bullying is not handled effectively, further damage to employee productivity and morale can have a ripple effect throughout the entire workplace. Foster a work environment that values individuals and does not tolerate negative behaviors and attitudes.

About MRA—The Management Association: Founded in 1901, MRA is a nonprofit employer association that serves 4,000 employers, covering more than one million employees worldwide. As one of the largest employer associations in the nation, MRA helps its members thrive by offering comprehensive HR services, talent management, learning and organization development opportunities, and total rewards planning. MRA works to help organizations build a successful workplace and powerful workforce. Headquartered in Waukesha, WI, MRA has regional offices in Palatine, IL; Moline, IL; and Plymouth, MN. To learn more about MRA, visit www.mranet.org.