Workplace bullying - Articles

Lessons from the Harvard Anti-Bullying Policy

An analysis of the policy enacted in September 2023 and what we can learn from it

May 2, 2024

Harvard’s recent Anti-Bullying Policy (the Policy) has many good elements. It is missing important elements regarding the definition of bullying and how the Policy should work. There are lessons in this.

Maintaining a Civil Workplace

Safety pros can learn about how to maintain a civil workplace from anti-bullying policies at big universities

Edward Stern

August 27, 2021

If your business requires more skill than laborers off the street, it costs money to find and train the right employees. To keep the talent you have found and developed, you must maintain a civil workplace. Bullies chase away talent.

Weekly news round-up

January 11, 2020

OSHA updates a program designed to reduce amputations in the manufacturing industry; company execs in France found guilty of “institutional harassment” and alcohol-related fatalities are increasing in the U.S. These were among the occupational safety and health stories featured on ISHN.com this week.

Are you prepared for workplace violence?

Prevent workplace violence by taking proactive measures.

Pamela Williams Travis Vance

May 7, 2019

A good starting point for all employers when attempting to minimize the risk of workplace violence is to conduct a hazard assessment, and then provide employees with the protective measures needed to eliminate or reduce exposure to potential hazards.

Report from abroad:

Racism a problem in EU workplaces, experts say

September 27, 2018

Workers in Europe are regularly exposed to racism and xenophobia at the workplace, according to experts attending a recent trade union seminar in Brussels, who said racism does not always take the form of subtle discrimination but can also include explicit abuse. Delegates at the seminar, which was organized by the European Trade Union Confederation and European Trade Union Institute, shared their experiences of discrimination and debated what unions can do to tackle the problem.

#MeToo at work

Alexandra I. Zelin

September 27, 2018

Despite its seriousness, sexual harassment prevention training inspires entire (albeit, tongue-in-cheek) episodes in popular American television shows, including The Office and NCIS, and memorable skits in many other venues, including Saturday Night Live. With all of this attention, it is easy to believe that sexual harassment prevention training is no longer needed.

Workplace rudeness goes home, affects children

Incivility in the workplace associated with more negative parenting behaviors at home, study says

August 16, 2018

When people are rude to their coworkers or treat them badly, they probably don’t realize the unintended victims in that encounter could be the coworkers’ children. Women who experience incivility in the workplace are more likely to engage in stricter, more authoritarian parenting practices that can have a negative impact on their children, according to research presented at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association (APA).

Anti-retaliation protection in the workplace

Anti-retaliation policies don’t always stop bullying

Shut down for speaking up

Edward Stern

May 11, 2018

People will not risk their jobs to speak up about problems. They cannot afford it. That is reality. It is the very reason why the Occupational Safety and Health Act has protection for whistleblowers. It is also the reason for the Federal Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA).

How to cope with insomnia caused by rude co-workers

April 23, 2018

If you’ve had a bad day at work thanks to rude colleagues, doing something fun and relaxing after you finish your workday could net you a better night’s sleep. That was the key finding of research that appears in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology®, published by the American Psychological Association.

Sexual harassment prevention training may become law in NYC

February 26, 2018

New York City is considering a law that would require businesses with at least 15 employees to conduct training aimed at preventing sexual harassment. Company owners would have to provide interactive training - either in person, with audiovisual material or some other form approved by the city’s Human Rights Commission - and maintain records of compliance. Failing to do so could earn companies penalties of up to $500 for their first violation, and up to $2,000 for each one after.