Bullying resource a good place to start

Friday, 21^st February, 2014

No employer wants bullying in their workplace but unless measures are put in place to prevent it, it will continue to undermine the core relationships that are critical for the success of any company or organisation.

The introduction yesterday of Worksafe New Zealand’s best practice guidelines for preventing and responding to workplace bullying, is seen as a welcome development by Michael Barnett, Chief Executive of Auckland Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce.

“This is a practical resource which provides a good framework for businesses. It is critical that we ensure all organisations, regardless of size, understand how to recognise and respond to issues of bullying and harassment with a focus on effective prevention”, says Barnett.

He agrees that the handbook is a great springboard to facilitate conversations, but says that it should be viewed as part of a wider toolkit enabling businesses to deal with the complexities of workplace bullying.
“Organisations such as the Equal Employment Opportunities Trust exist to provide in depth training and support in this area, offering a number of wrap around services designed to guide and mentor employers”.

You can find out more about the services provided by the EEO Trust as well as access tools and resources for dealing with workplace conflict at www.eeotrust.org.nz.

For more information contact Michael Barnett, mobile: 0275 631 150.
Michael Barnett, Chief Executive, Auckland Chamber of Commerce.