24.05.2023
Taslim Ahammad
Bullying and Harassment at Work
Bullying and harassment at work is a serious matter that may have a negative impact on the mental and physical health of workforces. Inappropriately, this problem is not limited to any specific country, and Bangladesh is no exception. Bullying and harassment may occur in any workplace, regardless of the industry or sector.
Bullying at work may take many forms, such as verbal abuse, physical intimidation, social isolation, and cyberbullying. This may be committed by colleagues, supervisors, or even customers or clients. Harassment, on the other hand, is a form of discrimination that is prohibited by law. This may include unwanted advances, derogatory comments or gestures, and other forms of unfortunate behaviour.
In Bangladesh, there are laws and regulations in place to address bullying and harassment at work. The Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, forbids discrimination and harassment in the workplace, and the Bangladesh Labour Rules, 2015, make available guidance on how employers may prevent and respond to workplace bullying and harassment.
In spite of these laws and regulations, bullying and harassment continue to be a problem in many workplaces in Bangladesh. This may be due to a lack of awareness or understanding of the issue, or reluctance on the part of employees to report incidents due to fear of retaliation or a belief that nothing will be done to address the issues.
Employers or authorities in Bangladesh have a responsibility to create a safe and respectful workplace environment that is free from bullying and harassment. This includes providing training and education to employees on what constitutes bullying and harassment and how to stop it, as well as forming policies and procedures for reporting and addressing cases of bullying and harassment.
Decreasing workplace bullying and harassment requires a comprehensive and sustained effort from both employees and management. Here are some steps that can be taken to reduce workplace bullying and harassment in Bangladesh: (i.) Establish clear policies: Administrations should establish clear policies against bullying and harassment and communicate them to all employees. These policies should clearly define what constitutes bullying and harassment, and what actions will be taken against offenders. (ii.) Raise awareness: Increase awareness of bullying and harassment and the negative impact it can have on individuals and the organization. This can be done through training, workshops, and other communication channels. (iii.) Encourage reporting: Encourage employees to report any incidents of bullying or harassment without fear of retaliation. Ensure that reporting mechanisms are in place and that reports are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. (iv.) Investigate and take action: Examine all reports of bullying and harassment promptly and take appropriate action. This may include disciplinary action, counselling, or mediation. (v.) Provide support: Deliver support to employees who have experienced bullying and harassment. This may include counselling or other forms of assistance. (vi.) Foster a positive workplace culture: Raise a positive workplace culture that promotes respect, inclusivity, and diversity. Encourage employees to treat each other with dignity and respect.
To Decrease workplace bullying and harassment is an ongoing process that requires ongoing effort and commitment from both employees and management. By implementing these steps, organizations in Bangladesh can create a safe and inclusive workplace for all workforces.
Workers also have a role to play in preventing bullying and harassment at work. By dint of speaking up when they witness or experience bullying or harassment, they may help to create a workplace culture that is more respectful and supportive. Employees should feel comfortable reporting incidents of bullying and harassment to their authority, HR department, or other designated person/s.
In a few words, bullying and harassment at work is a serious matter that requires attention and action in Bangladesh. Employers must take steps to prevent and address cases of bullying and harassment in the workplace, and employees must be encouraged to speak up and report cases when they occur. By means of working together, employers and employees may create a safe and respectful workplace environment that promotes employee well-being and efficiency.
The End
Taslim Ahammad
Assistant Professor
Department of Management Studies
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh