WORKPLACE BULLYING

If you have been bullied at work, seek guidance from the human resources department or follow the steps outlined in your office’s workplace bullying and harassment policies, if applicable. Employers should take all complaints very seriously. Ontario courts have awarded tens of thousands of dollars in damages to a bullied employee when the employer failed to properly investigate a bullying complaint. The investigator was biased, untrained and lacked thoroughness, and the company’s internal policies were ignored. It is always important to keep detailed records of bullying activity. This should include the parties involved, any witnesses, date, time, location, the events that transpired between the parties and any other relevant information. Employers should maintain open lines of communication with all employees, in order to foster an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up about bullying behaviour. It is worthwhile to provide anti-bullying training for all employees, including sharing information about what to do if they experience workplace bullying. Please note that the above information does not constitute legal advice. It is general information about the law. If you require legal advice with an employment issue, please contact the experts at Stacey Ball – Employment Lawyer in Toronto.