Since our last update on March 26th, bullying/harassment requests for help have nearly tripled and a total of 23 cases have been resolved to date! We are pleased to see that staff are continuing to utilize the new supports (reporting to the VCH No-Bully line and HR Advisors through supervisors, managers and department heads) and taking a stand to stop bullying at VCH.

Requests for help increase

As of May 13, we have had a total of 127 new requests for help from staff who have experienced or witnessed disrespectful conduct in the workplace. Click here to see the latest Respectful Work Place Reporting Dashboard.

Of the 127 concerns:
• Two-thirds were calls to the VCH No-Bully line;
• One-third reported to the HR Advisor through supervisors, managers and department heads;
• 80 were referred to an HR Advisor for follow-up and resolution;
• 47 requested the information only option (EFAP confidential debriefing and/or counselling).

Each request for help is taken seriously, and those who choose to proceed with a formal investigation are updated on the progress every 10 business days.

From complaints to resolutions

A third of the concerns referred to HR Advisors for follow up have already been resolved, with the remaining either under formal investigation or in the HR support phase (e.g. coaching advice or facilitating a meeting with affected parties). The resolution process varies for each case but the majority of cases have been resolved by communicating the respectful workplace expectations, asking for a behavioral agreement or issuing a letter of warning.

Think before you speak!

The majority of complaints involve insulting comments or offensive language (this includes face to face, phone, email and social media). If you haven’t already, we encourage all staff to review the ‘examples of bullying, harassment and disrespectful behaviour’ in the Respectful Workplace brochure so you know how we define bullying at VCH.

“The new supports are here to help staff who experience or witness disrespectful conduct but it’s important to remember that we create a culture of respect by treating others how we want to be treated,” said Wayne Balshin, Executive Director of Employee Relations.

Stay tuned for future updates on the respectful workplace initiative including a Respectful Work Place Intervention/Outcomes Dashboard. More information on workplace bullying is available on the Employee Relations intranet site.