Respectful workplace: Vancouver Coastal takes bullying seriously
VCH focuses on providing the best care for both its patients as well as its 20,000 staff members around the province.
This means creating a respectful work environment that is comfortable for the many different positions and personalities that help run VCH.
“We can’t deliver our services without the clinicians, the nurses, our admin staff and everyone else at VCH who are dedicated, and happy, at their jobs,” says Wayne Balshin, executive director of Employee Relations. “We’re only as good as our people and that’s why it’s a priority to have a respectful work environment.”
On February 27th, the emphasis on a respectful workplace will be displayed with VCH staff wearing pink shirts and buttons in support of Anti Bullying Day, organized by The Boys and Girls Clubs of BC.
VCH will be using this day to promote a respectful workplace. We are asking staff and physicians to wear a pink shirt to demonstrate their support. Ask your manager about where to get your pink “Respectful Workplace” VCH button.
“Bullies cannot survive in a respectful workplace.” says Dr. Stacy Sprague, psychologist and executive director of the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) that offers counseling and consultation services to employees of VCH and their immediate families. “If you feel like you may be dealing with issues related to bullying and would like some confidential counseling support please call EFAP at 1-800-505-4929 and ask for a consultation.”
Bullying involves behavior that is intended to manipulate or intimidate a particular person or group of people resulting in unhealthy or unprofessional relationships between the bully and the individual. Bullying can be obvious or subtle.
If there is someone behaving in a way that offends or intimidates you, do not put up with it. Bringing your concerns forward immediately will normally address the matter quickly and is one of the best mechanisms to bring insight to the individual causing the concern that his or her behaviour is not acceptable. Often a person may not be aware their behaviour is offensive, and most will change the behaviour once they are aware of the concern.
“No matter what your position is, or the positions of the people you work with, showing mutual respect and consideration is an essential core ‘people first’ value and work expectation,” Balshin says. “If you’re unsure if a joke or comment might embarrass or bother someone, then don’t say it.”
Related links
Check out VCH Chief Financial Officer Duncan Campbell’s blog on being bullied as a nine-year-old and what sport helped him deal with it.
Joe Sebastian
Perhaps someone in Employee Engagement can explain to all what ” Silent Policies” are in reference to their own
conduct. As well as what is a respectful timeline to respond to professional email inquiries regarding their (VCH) conduct.