The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) has launched new guidelines to help organisations manage bullying at work.
Launched in association with Acas and Unison, Bullying in the Workplace: Guidance for Managers outlines the factors that contribute towards an organisational bullying culture and urges managers to be clear on the procedures for dealing with complaints.
It also calls on managers to put preventative ‘anti-bullying’ measures in place. According to the guide, managers should look out for signs of:
misuse of power or overbearing supervision
undermining by overloading colleagues with too much work
constant criticism
blocking promotion or denying training and development opportunities
intimidation
Mary Chapman, chief executive of the CMI, said: bullying has an undermining influence on staff morale which, in turn, adversely affects an organisation’s performance.
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“It is imperative that managers recognise their duty of care to their employees, both in their own behaviour and by developing the knowledge and policies which reduce the likelihood of bullying occurring in the first place,” she said.
To communicate the message that bullying is unacceptable, the guide recommends developing clear and concise policies. Areas to consider including are:
a statement of commitment from senior management
examples of unacceptable behaviour
clear indications that bullying is a disciplinary offence
appropriate details about procedures
the involvement of trade union and Health & Safety Executive representatives
assurances that complaints will be dealt with confidentially
