Many employees are exposed to bullying and harassment in their daily working lives.
About 89 people report that are at risk of bullying in the workplace at least once a month, according to figures from Faktabook for the working environment and health 2021 (Statens arbeidsmiljøinstitutt ). This is 3,5 percent of all employees in Norwegian working life.
- Bullying and harassment is a problem in Norwegian working life, but it can and should be prevented. However, if this is the case, it is important that the employer handles the matter properly. Every person has both the right and the duty to speak up if they see or experience others being harassed, says director Trude Vollheim of the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate.
On October 10, we celebrate World Mental Health Day. This year's theme is "We need each other" #løftblikket. Supporting each other in the workplace can be critical for someone who is being bullied.
The importance of such an intervention
New study by STAMI (Norwegian Institute of the Working Environment) shows how important it is to intervene when a colleague is being bullied in the workplace. The results of the study showed that there was no increased risk that a person who actively intervened would be exposed to bullying.
On the other hand, failure to intervene had serious consequences. Respondents who remained inactive while observing bullying by others were at risk of being bullied themselves later.
What do you do when you witness bullying?
The Work Environment Act prohibits harassment and other inappropriate behavior in the workplace. All companies must have a routine for reporting deviations.
If a colleague tells you that they are experiencing intimidation or harassment from someone in the context of work, tell your safety representative or manager. It's actually your duty.
– Be a good friend who provides support and assistance in the process. You can do this, for example, finding out whether the company has a routine for reporting and dealing with bullying and helping to present the matter in a factual manner, says section manager Gunn Robstad Andersen of the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate.
Read more about the obligation to notify (Working Environment Act §2-3)
If you witness someone misbehaving with a co-worker, ridiculing or making disparaging comments, intervene.
- Make it clear that you do not approve of this type of behavior directed at your friend. Then you help set the boundaries of what's okay and not in a social work environment, says Andersen.
Four tips to prevent harassment
The employer's duty to investigate and act applies when an employee is exposed to harassment. This means that the employer must investigate allegations of mistreatment; what happened? The employer must monitor both sides. Must take steps to restore a safe working environment for those involved and do whatever is necessary to prevent this from happening again.
– It is very important to look after and follow those who do not feel well at work. Organize and facilitate work so that employees they were not at risk of bullying and unwanted behavior from others, says Andersen.
This is how employers can prevent bullying:
- Put the topic on the agenda. Talk together about what behavior is acceptable and unacceptable.
- Get rid of behaviors that go beyond boundaries.
- Get overview situations that may increase the risk of exposure to bullying and take the necessary preventive measures.
- Have clear procedures to follow if you are at risk of bullying.
What is bullying?
Bullying occurs when a person is repeatedly and systematically exposed to the negative actions of one or more people over time. A person often finds it difficult to defend himself. This may include, among others:
- harassment
- ridicule
- teasing
- slander
- accusations
Bullying is associated with an increased risk of developing symptoms of psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, sleep problems and a greater risk of prolonged sickness absence. Bullying can also lead to physical problems.
Source: arbeidstilsynet
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