Tag: workplace bullying

Employers and managers have the prerogative to set workplace rules and standards, including performance standards. Oftentimes, managers come across as being harsh, bullish, dismissive, or overly critical when attempting to enforce certain workplace standards.

Workplace bullying transcends mere professional misconduct; it is a violation of human rights that undermines employee dignity and wellbeing. Bullying manifests in various forms - verbal, emotional, psychological and even through passive-aggressive behaviours such as exclusion and gossip. In South Africa, the implications of workplace bullying extend beyond moral concerns, as it infringes on constitutional rights.

A new Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace has become effective. The new code will require a total overhaul of sexual harassment and harassment policies that employers currently have in place as well as how these policies are implemented.

Over the years it was acceptable for men to earn more than woman. It has only recently become normal for woman to hold positions previously held by men. But are women remunerated the same way as their male counterparts?

The business case for dealing with mental health and wellbeing in the workplace is absolutely clear. Not only are the workplace costs associated with poor mental health significant, but positive mental health (manifested as employee engagement and other positive mental health states) has been found to play a key role in organisational success.

The Minister of Employment and Labour has published for comment a Draft Code of Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work (Code). The Code applies to all sectors (both public and private) in the formal and informal economy.

With more than a third of employees reporting acts of bullying in the workplace, this has become a significant issue in South Africa that negatively impacts teamwork and morale. I discuss what bullying entails and the precautions companies can take against this form of abuse.

Psychopaths are not just found in serial killer movies and crime novels – they stalk corporate corridors too, where their trail of destruction might not include murder, but can mean the death of productivity, motivation and profits.

Dr Renata Schoeman | Leadership Lecturer and renowned Psychiatrist | University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) | mail me  | Psychopaths are not just found...