Evidence shows that bullying and harassment in the workplace has serious negative outcomes for everyone. VCH’s new Respectful Workplace & Human Rights policy includes new support and reporting options for staff and physicians who experience or witness bullying or disrespectful conduct in the workplace.

Wear pink this Wednesday!*

February 26 is Pink Shirt Day. VCH will be using this day to promote a respectful workplace and to raise awareness about its enhanced Respectful Workplace policy and new help and resources.  Share your photos from Pink Shirt Day: EmployeeEngagementInquiries@vch.ca.

*Dress restrictions may apply in certain work areas—check with your manager. VCH cannot supply shirts.

Bullying and harassment is:

Inappropriate comment or conduct targeted towards or about a staff member which the person knew or reasonably ought to have known would cause the staff member to be humiliated or intimidated.

Inappropriate comment or conduct can occur in many different settings, including one to one; group communication, or through electronic means (e.g. email, social media – Facebook, Twitter etc).

What to do about it

• Take a stand – address or report bullying when you see it! Review the Respectful Workplace employee brochure for more information.
• Call the VCH No-Bully Line: 1-844-NO BULLY (662-8559) to access various support options. These include confidential debriefing, Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) confidential counselling and/or speaking with a human resources advisor to receive support in resolving your concern.
• Get familiar with the new VCH Respectful Workplace policy effective February 26, 2014.

It’s required

Work Safe BC legislation requires workers to report any bullying or harassment behaviour they experience or observe in the workplace.

VCH is here to help

Remember, disrespectful behaviour will not stop on its own. You need to either have the conversation with the other person or report your concern to your manager/ supervisor/ department head or call the VCH’s No-Bully line: 1-844-NO BULLY (662 8559).

Want more information?

More information on workplace bullying and harassment is available on the Employee Relations intranet site. Download the policy and the brochure.

Check the Up For Discussion blog on Thursday afternoon for a blog article related to the new policy.