An Analysis Of Victimisation At Work
There is no excuse for any victimisation of any kind in a workplace environment. It is unprofessional, it is old-fashioned and it is an assault on another human being.
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It must be kept in mind that victimisation can take place in three different ways. It can the victimisation of an employee by a supervisor or a manager, the victimisation of an employee by another employee, or the victimisation of a supervisor by an employee.
Also known as workplace bullying, this practice can include verbal, non verbal, psychological, physical abuse and humiliation. This is sometimes a difficult activity to report because much of the time the infraction occurs like it is seemingly within the rules and established policies that are within the guidelines of the organization.
The key difference is that when the bullying or the victimisation becomes personal and hurtful, it is time to report it to someone. It can be covert or overt, out in the open, or hidden and well known to many on staff or to no one. If a situation like this is permitted to continue, then a negative effect can spread throughout the rest of the personnel and have a negative effect on morale, plus open the company up for litigation.
If you feel that you are being singled out by a supervisor, harassed, or you feel uncomfortable that you are receiving harsher treatment, or derogatory treatment, then you should go to your human resources department and report it. If you are being harassed by a fellow employee, you should go to your supervisor and report it there. If you are the supervisor, and an employee blames you for harassment that you did not commit, you will hear about it soon enough.
It is the job of every employer to provide a work environment where people can work and do their jobs without having to fear and have the annoyance of being harassed, bullied or being made to feel uncomfortable by anyone. You should have the freedom to do your job without interference within the guidelines of the company.
There should be clear communication throughout the company in regard to these guidelines and it should be well communicated that any such behavior where people are harassed or bullied with have several consequences leading up to termination.
Most companies have such language in their orientation materials and make a good effort to make their case clear, yet it still happens.
In the case where an employee is harassed or bullied, and they go to the proper sources to report it, and nothing is ever done about it, the employee has the right to sue the employer. He or she can leave work without notice and sue the company for damages.
The same procedure is set into place when one employee bullies another and nothing is done about it, then the employee can sue the company for not taking care of the situation.
As an employee, you work at the pleasure of the employer. If you do a good job, you get to keep on working there, for the most part. There is a power disparity here in that if the employer says that you are not working up to par, or criticizes you for something, you really have no power to counteract those charges except your word. This is why protection from victimisation is so important.
If you are being bullied, keep a journal after the fact and document with the date and time of day, who was present, what was said, and the result of the encounter. Note any witnesses who should have heard what was said.
North Shore Employment lawyer
Everyone should be able to go to work and not have to fear others with whom they work, whether it be a supervisor, or another employee.
If you do need to take things to the next step by seeking legal redress then you need to find an employment lawyer. Employment law is very complex and it is often outside the scope of a general practice lawyer. You will need to find a specialist or go to a larger law firm which will have their own in-house employment law specialists.
If you live or work around Albany on the North Shore of Auckland, McVeagh Fleming is a highly respected law firm and they have employment lawyers who can help you. If you would like further information visit their website and then give them a call.
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