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7 June 2018
Unhealthy workplace behaviour is a common occurrence in many Australian workplaces and has important implications for the well-being of employees and productivity of organisations.
At Atlas Professionals, our company values, sound leadership, open and respectful communication, and a healthy workplace culture are the key pillars to maintaining a harmonious workplace. However, it’s important to remember that we all have an important personal responsibility to be aware, stop any behaviour that is inappropriate and report all incidents.
What is unhealthy workplace behaviour and what can be done?
Unhealthy workplace behaviour may include a range of inappropriate behaviour including code of conduct breaches, conflict, discrimination and sexual harassment, aggression and bullying.
Atlas Professionals has a preventing and managing unhealthy workplace behaviour factsheet which outlines the Atlas Professionals approach to maintaining equal employment opportunity and preventing unlawful harassment, discrimination, bullying or victimisation in the workplace. Once informed, the company focuses on early intervention by addressing the behaviour and looking at what can be done to address it as soon as possible.
The factsheet provides all our employees with an understanding of their rights and responsibilities under human rights and anti-discrimination law. All Atlas Professionals employees are required to read and understand the factsheet. It provides important definitions such as discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation, and lets us employees know what steps to take to prevent and manage an unhealthy workplace behaviour issue, and what support all Atlas Professionals employees have.
A link to our equal employment opportunity policy and code of conduct is also provided below. This outlines Atlas Professionals’ commitment to equal employment opportunity and diversity in the workplace, whereby the rights of individuals are upheld and everyone is treated with respect, fairness, equality and dignity.
Employee responsibilities
All employees at Atlas Professionals have a responsibility to:
- Be aware, and abide by Company Policies and Code of Conduct;
- Recognise and respect the skills, merit and talents of other individuals;
- Respect cultural and social differences among our colleagues and Clients;
- Be sensitive to others and act to prevent harassment, discrimination and bullying;
- Stop any behaviour that is inappropriate and notify the appropriate person if they observe any example of unhealthy workplace behaviour being displayed in the workplace;
- Set a personal example through our own conduct at work;
- Not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided at the workplace that may cause harm to others; and
- If in doubt – Check with your HR Representative.
What to do if you experience or witness unhealthy workplace behaviour
- If possible and safe to do so, try to resolve the matter directly with the other(s) involved. Let those involved know that unhealthy work related behaviour is unwelcome and disrespectful and is to stop;
- Advise your supervisor or the appropriate person as soon as possible; or
- Seek advice from for example a manager, health and safety representative or Atlas Professionals Human Resources, as early as possible.
Remember, Atlas Professionals can’t address the problem if they don’t know about it
Any reports of workplace bullying or violent behaviour will be treated seriously and any formal complaints will be investigated promptly, confidentially and impartially.
We are committed to ensuring that employees who make complaints, or who act as witnesses, are not victimised. Employees should, however, be aware that where a formal complaint is made, the person against whom an allegation of bullying or violent behaviour has been made will need to be informed in order to be given an opportunity to respond to any allegations.
Further Advice
As it’s not always easy to know what to do, so please feel free to contact the Atlas Professionals Human Resources Representative on +61 8 6310 5646 for assistance.
There are also a number of services available including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which is available to those who may feel the need to seek counselling / professional guidance when social, personal or work related issues arise. To access this confidential service or to obtain further EAP information call 1800 30 30 90 or visit the following webpagewww.bsspsych.com.au.
Further Information
Download and view the Preventing and Managing Unhealthy Workplace Behaviour Factsheet
Download and view the the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Download and view the Atlas Professionals Code of Conduct, which include the Atlas Professionals values of Courage, Integrity and Commitment which underpin our business.
Download and view Employee Assistance Program (EAP) information and other resources by visiting www.bsspsych.com.au.
