Tag: workplace harassment

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.

Employment Equity Act (EEA) Amendment Bill has been approved by the National Council of Provinces and it is waiting for the president’s signature. Once the president has signed this Bill into law, Chapter 2 will immediately be activated as the criteria by which companies will deemed to be compliant.

As we joined hands with the rest of the world to commemorate International Women’s Day in the spirit of ‘Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow’, it is imperative to ensure that more is done to end the debilitating impact of ongoing gender-based violence and femicide in the workplace. 

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.