Seminar covers workplace bullying

The auditor who conducted a review of Hamilton City Council's policies that deal with claims of workplace bullying says the issue is becoming one of the country's biggest health and safety problems.

Quality Environmental Control (QEC) auditor Leigh-Anne Peake is a guest speaker at a seminar on workplace bullying next month.

"Professor Tim Bentley of AUT stated on the national news two weeks ago that about one in five Kiwis believe they have been bullied in the workplace," said Mrs Peake.

Run by CultureSafe NZ, the four-seminar series promotes positive work culture. Mrs Peake is a guest speaker at the second seminar which looks at workplace bullying as a health and safety issue.

CultureSafe director Allan Halse, who blew the whistle on a culture of bullying and harassment at Hamilton City Council, said the seminars would look at what impact bullying has on people and organisations.

Mrs Peake said she would look at workplace bullying "as a hazard that needs to be managed".

"I will define what workplace bullying is, look at some of the symptoms of bullying in the workplace and how to identify those."

Mrs Peake's discussion will also focus on consequences of bullying, individual behaviours and tools or controls to manage workplace bullying.

QEC has previously conducted an audit of Hamilton City Council's policies and framework that deal with claims of workplace bullying. Last year's audit outlined 39 recommendations to improve ways in which council deals with claims of bullying and harassment. QEC has since been back to council to assess implementation of those recommendations.

Mr Halse said the aim of the four-part series was to assist employers to be better employers, comply with health and safety legislation, and promote healthier workplace cultures.

For more information see www.culturesafe.co.nz.