tackle inappropriate behaviour at work

Instances of bullying and harassment are all too common in the workplace. Not only are they detrimental to individual wellbeing and organisational performance, in many cases they’re against the law. For every instance of bullying and harassment raised in your organisation, there are likely to be many more that have gone unreported. It’s critical that your staff understand the types of behaviour which are unacceptable in the workplace. As specialists in bullying and harassment mediation over years, offering the positive, practical response you need to move forward.

We take an organisational view of workplace bullying, discrimination and harassment. Responding to individual incidents can only go so far. It is only when the company as a whole takes a firm and clear position on destructive behaviours that progress can be made, and inclusive cultures built. Developing more inclusive behaviours and attitudes will promote positive workplace practices, and drive innovation right across your organisation.

Our bullying, harassment and discrimination training combines:

• Full training in the law and all legislation on bullying and harassment at work
• Practical approaches to unwanted behaviours that participants can then share and promote across the business
• Guidance on bullying and harassment policy, and signposting to relevant resources.

In certain cases, we may use our acting team to depict real-life workplace scenarios on the subject. These live-action exercises bring to life a range of inappropriate conversations that individuals may be involved in or overhear around the office.

Our diversity consultants will then facilitate a discussion of the grey areas between banter, inappropriate language and bullying, for example. This ‘experience – reflect – learn’ approach will enable your staff to think through the impact that their behaviour can have on their colleagues.

our approach is Positive, practical, and proactive

For this kind of training to succeed, it’s crucial that delegates don’t feel ‘done to’. Our discrimination, bullying and harassment workshops create a safe, open environment for your delegates – ideal for developing more inclusive behaviours and attitudes. We always start by acknowledging the difficulties, and approach them as a challenge that we can all respond to positively. By doing so we’ll engage your delegates with the science behind the subject matter, and so mitigate any sense of sounding accusatory.

Your training course will comprise a blend of presentations, real-life case studies, and facilitated activities including individual, small-group and whole-group interactions and reflection. We’ll tailor the content to your audiences to make sure we offer the right level of interest and challenge. We’ll use interactive exercises to build individual accountability. And all attendees will leave with an understanding of the personal and organisational risk around direct and indirect discrimination and harassment.

We find this positive, practical and proactive approach to workplace training reduces nervousness, takes away fear of the unknown, and enhances your delegates’ ability and confidence to apply what they’ve learned to their working day.

Together participants will also explore:

• Examples of effective communication models that can be used to defuse difficult situations
• The emotional triggers behind challenging or aggressive behaviours
• How to use empathy, active listening and assertiveness to encourage positive resolutions
• Useful strategies to manage the effects of bullying and harassment on the victim.

By the end of the training, participants will feel able and empowered to demonstrate their:

• Understanding of UK legislation around discrimination and harassment
• Recognition of inappropriate language and behaviours, and how to challenge them in others
• Appreciation of the adverse impact and organisational risk associated with harassment
• Belief in inclusive best practice to prevent unwanted behaviours and conflict at work
• Commitment as staff to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

find out more about our equality, diversity and inclusion services