Blog
Managing diversity
Two high profile diversity surveys are currently underway: the CIPD asks Is Diversity and Inclusion Fringe or Fundamental? while HR Magazine is asking Diversity: Business strategy or just a 'nice thing to do'? In the context of globalisation and international teams,...
Communicating policies and procedures at work
Comments by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) earlier this week, together with large fines, show the importance of ensuring organisational policies and procedures are fully integrated into day to day working practices. Croydon Council was fined £100,000 and...
Workplace investigations in the news
Investigations continue to feature in current workplace news, reflecting the potential impact and overall importance to any organisation. A former NHS worker has been awarded £933,115 by an Employment Tribunal that found he had been subject to racial discrmination and...
Protected conversations in the workplace
In November 2011 the Government launched a consultation into the introduction of protected conversations in the workplace. The Employment Relations Minister said, "The objective is to encourage people who are afraid of having conversations that they ought to be...
Workplace relationships and work related stress
1 November 2011 Employment cases with large pay outs or headline catching behaviour are high profile, sometimes sensational. The media excitedly focus on both the amount of compensation and the inappropriate workplace behaviour. The less high profile cases, or those...
The distinction between a grievance and whistleblowing
Developed in the context of the Public Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA), workplace whistleblowing policies and procedures can address highly sensitive and emotive issues. Without appropriate training and support on how to handle such events senior management may panic,...
The shape and purpose of internal investigations
The latest developments in the News International phone hacking scandal again demonstrate the importance of a clear remit at the start of any internal investigation, together with a genuine commitment to establishing the facts. A letter from Harbottle and Lewis, the...
What is a reasonable workplace investigation?
News International and the integrity of the investigations into the News of the World phone hacking allegations continue to dominate public life. Meanwhile, investigations in the workplace may not be so high profile but they do remain an important feature and, if...
Basic lessons to learn from News International when conducting internal investigations
The current News of the World phone hacking allegations have thrown a sharp focus on the importance of credible internal investigations. The newspaper's vast advertising revenue is under threat as major multi-national advertisers consider their positions pending the...
Workplace investigations – Top Tips
Opt have been very busy recently carrying out workplace investigations on a range of issues, including allegations of bullying and harassment, inappropriate behaviour and misconduct. Our work has also included 'tidying up' poorly handled investigations. The impact on...
Workplace procedures – bullying and harassment
A recent article in WalesOnline stated Bridgend Council reported they have "robust, clear policies in place to ensure that all employees understand what is expected of them and can behave appropriately", yet they've had 22 complaints of bullying since January 2009. A...
Prevent allegations of bullying at work
The pressure is on in today's workplace, and the working environment can be intense and stressful - worries over job security; budget cuts; redundancies; increased workloads; competing with colleagues for the same job in a shrinking workforce and watching colleagues...
Dealing with a difficult colleague
During my work with organisations to repair the damage caused by unhealthy conflict at work, including formal grievances and allegations of "bullying", I was struck by how many of these situations could easily have been avoided if the matter had been dealt with...
Workplace investigations
Workplace investigations can be time consuming and distracting from normal business. Employers can find the process daunting or may believe an investigation is unnecessary in the particular circumstances. However, if an investigation is not carried out or handled...
City councillor guilty of racial harassment
A councillor in Bristol has been found guilty of racial harassment and given a 12 month conditional discharge. Click here to read more on www.bbc.co.uk In this case the individuals were elected public servants, not employees, and the case was pursued through legal...
Workplace behaviour that fits
Cultivating a healthy workplace doesn't mean a loss of corporate or team identity. Characteristics unique to the way of working, such as stress at times of high pressure are inevitable. Recognising this and creating a place for open discussion can prevent a pattern of...
Workplace mediation
Many workplace issues, if dealt with early, can be resolved. However, there are times when third party intervention can be the only answer. The following is a real life scenario where workplace mediation helped to prevent a situation escalating to the point of a...
“I’m not a manager to be popular”
A newly appointed manager recently asked me for some advice on how she should approach her new role. Promoted to the managerial position from her peer group, she was all too aware of the challenge ahead. We decided to explore some real life comments: “I’m not a...
Using the phrase “bullying” at work
Welcome to Opt's first blog post. In the course of my work I interview all types of employee about their experiences of workplace behaviour. The disruption caused by the misuse of the term “bully” is an ongoing theme. Misuse of the term “bully” can have a devastating...
