Be An Employer Of Choice

Build a Psychologically Safe Environment

Now more than ever, job seekers look for employers who are committed to fostering a healthy and safe work environment. A safe and healthy workplace includes policies and practices in which all employees have

  • the resources and supports they need to be successful
  • equal opportunity to participate and excel in their role
  • a safe environment free of harassment and discrimination at all levels

By supporting a psychologically safe work environment throughout your organization, you can

  • attract and retain top talent
  • maintain a competitive edge in your industry
  • foster a safe and positive work environment
  • reduce company spending
Workplace Violence & Harassment Awareness Training
Psychological Health & Safety Awareness Training

Workplace Harassment and Bullying

Workplace harassment and bullying can cause significant challenges in your workplace. Members of equity-deserving groups are more likely to experience workplace harassment, bullying and discrimination, especially female-identifying individuals. This is seen at all levels of employment, including at the supervisor and employer levels. This leads to significant challenges with recruitment and retention. Effective policies around workplace violence, harassment and bullying can

  • support retention of your workforce
  • prevent potential legal issues
  • build a diverse workforce inclusive of women and other equity-deserving groups
  • foster a safe and healthy work environment

Workplace harassment or bullying can include

  • yelling, name calling or threatening another employee
  • spreading rumours
  • belittling an employee or apprentice’s opinions
  • undermining or sabotaging an employee or apprentice’s work
  • purposely ignoring or excluding an employee or apprentice

Recommendations

  1. If you don’t already have them, develop strict workplace violence, bullying and harassment policies and procedures.
  2. Enforce a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment.
  3. Provide mandatory training for employees, apprentices and management.
  4. Create a code of conduct for your workplace.
  5. Create a safe space for employees and apprentices to report workplace bullying and harassment.
  6. Make sure all employees and apprentices know how to report workplace incidents and who to report them to.
  7. Have a process for investigating workplace incidents and corrective action for bullying and harassment.
  8. Review workplace violence and harassment policies and procedures regularly with employees and apprentices.
  9. Include policy review in the onboarding process and have the new employee/ apprentice sign off that they understand and agree.
  10. Implement an anonymous annual survey about incidents of workplace violence, harassment and bullying.
  11. Build an employee experience committee to understand the employee experience and use feedback to improve your workplace.
  12. Hold your employees accountable – there is no excuse for violence or harassment, regardless of the employee’s gender identity, age or experience.

Here are some free online training courses on workplace health and safety.

Here are some free online resources and tools on psychological health and safety in the workplace. These resources are designed for employers and managers.

Do you need more information on how to develop a violence and harassment prevention program? Click the links below to download helpful resources and templates to help you build your program.

Here are some additional health and safety tools and templates for your workplace.

Violence Incident Report Template