No-Bully line is working

We are pleased to inform you that since we introduced the new Respectful Workplace policy and supports on February 26, we have had a total of 41 new requests for help from staff who have experienced or witnessed disrespectful conduct in the workplace. This includes bullying complaints reported to the VCH No-Bully line (1-844-NO BULLY) and HR Advisors (through supervisors, managers and department heads) and requests for help/more information.

What does this mean?

Well, for one, this means more staff are reporting bullying and disrespectful conduct – one of our key goals for implementing the new Respectful Workplace policy. It is clear that the new help and resources are making staff and physicians feel safer in reporting bullying and disrespectful conduct.

Information only option well received

Of the 41 concerns, 26 were direct calls to the VCH No-Bully line – with more than half of the inquiries requesting the information only option (confidential debriefing and/or counselling). This allows staff the opportunity to confidentially debrief their experience and if they wish, speak with an HR Advisor to discuss their support options.

Formal investigations underway

Eleven of the 26 calls to the VCH No-Bully line have been referred to an HR Advisor for follow-up and resolution. This means the employee has filed a verbal or written complaint and a formal investigation is underway. Stay tuned for our next VCH news update which will include more information on the general outcomes/resolution process.

Nature of complaints

The majority of complaints involve insulting comments or offensive language, belittling, gossiping, and cyber-bullying.

“We estimate that reporting has tripled since we introduced the new support model – we are pleased to see that staff are utilizing the new reporting and support options and taking a stand to stop bullying at VCH,” said Wayne Balshin, Executive Director of Employee Relations.

Stay tuned for future updates on the respectful workplace initiative. More information on workplace bullying is available on the Employee Relations intranet site.