Dignity at Work Policy

Definition and Examples of Bullying

• Bullying is repeated inappropriate behaviour that undermines an individual’s right to dignity at work
• Examples of bullying include exclusion, verbal abuse, treating less favorably, and intimidation.
• Other forms of bullying include excessive monitoring of work and manipulating job content.
• Bullying also includes blaming somebody for something that is beyond their control.
• Isolated incidents of inappropriate behavior may not be considered bullying.

Definition and Examples of Harassment

• Harassment is an unwanted conduct related to certain characteristics that violates a person’s dignity.
• Characteristics include gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, and disability.
• Harassment may be verbal, written, physical, or intimidatory in form.
• The examples of harassment include telling jokes, comments, physical assault, and isolation.
• Pressure to behave inappropriately based on one’s background also constitutes harassment

Definition and Examples of Sexual Harassment

• Sexual harassment is any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates a person’s dignity.
• It may involve verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct.
• Examples of sexual harassment include physical advances, inappropriate comments, and non-verbal gestures.
• Sex-based conduct that denigrates or ridicules someone is also considered sexual harassment.
• A single incident can constitute sexual harassment

Scope and Procedures for Complaints and Investigation

• The policy applies to all employees, including directors, chief executives and temporary agency staff.
• The intention of the perpetrator is irrelevant in determining bullying or harassment
• Reasonable discipline and management do not amount to bullying or harassment.
• Bullying and harassment can occur in various work situations and at all levels.
• The policy extends to behavior outside the company’s premises if it’s related to work.

Informal Complaint Procedure

A personal approach to the person, informal complaint to Roofers Cork City, complaint handler, etc.

Handling Complaints with Specific Examples

Presenting the complaint, agreeing on a method to progress the issue, keeping line managers informed, maintaining records, etc.

Managing Complaints without Specific Examples

How to explore alternative ways to safeguard and mend workplace relationships, ensure line managers are kept informed, retain records, keep matters confidential, etc.

Informal Procedures Resolution

Counselling or periodic reviews, severe disciplinary action against unfounded complaints, upholding the complaint if resolution is not found etc.

Formal Complaint Procedure

Making formal complaints in writing, addressing them to the designated person, designating an investigator etc.

Investigation

Identify whether the behavior is inappropriate, separate disciplinary action in case the behavior is not bullying and harassment; conduct the investigation as promptly as possible; report company management and so on.

Actions if Complaint is Upheld

Treating the complaint as a serious disciplinary matter, initiating appropriate disciplinary procedures, taking steps to support and protect the victim, etc.

Actions if Complaint is Not Upheld

Supporting the complainant, taking measures to support both parties, awareness of the finding, etc.

Appeals Process

Lodging of appeal within 7 days, appeal heard by another person of the same seniority, grounds of appeal and outcome appended to investigation file, etc.

Outsourced Investigation

Designating some external independent investigator or consultant where necessary to ensure impartiality and compliance with company procedures.