DIGNITY AT WORK

Dignity at Work training course helps all staff, volunteers, and others who may work with you, understand their individual responsibility in keeping your workplace free from inappropriate behaviours, and in promoting a positive working culture that does not tolerate harassment or bullying.

Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect in their workplace. Upholding this right at all levels in your organisation is your legal duty as an employer under the Equality Act 2010.

Failing to promote a positive working environment can result in costly legal action and affect morale and work quality, impacting both your business and your reputation as an employer.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The Echo3 online dignity at work course aims to foster a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.

Participants develop an understanding of the importance of dignity, equality, and diversity, gaining insights into the legal frameworks and policies that underpin these principles.

The Dignity at Work course enhances awareness of inappropriate behaviours, such as bullying and harassment, and provides tools to recognise, prevent, and address these issues effectively.

Participants will also learn effective communication strategies to promote a positive work environment, emphasising empathy and active listening.

Ultimately, the course aims to empower individuals with the skills to contribute to a workplace where every member is treated with dignity and respect, fostering collaboration, employee well-being, and organizational success.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this Dignity at Work training, learners will be able to:

Define the key aspects of dignity at work, including what is meant by harassment and bullying.
Understand the relevant legislation behind dignity at work including individual responsibilities.
Identify the potential impacts of adverse behaviour on workplace relationships.
Understand the difference between effective staff management and inappropriate/bullying behaviours.
Deal more effectively with complaints of harassment or bullying.
Identify steps that support a positive and inclusive working environment.

COURSE CONTENT

UNIT 1 | INTRODUCTION

What you will learn
Learning objectives

UNIT 2 | BULLYING

What is bullying?
Bulling and the Law
Examples of bullying
How common is bullying?
What bullying is not
Effective communication
Bullying resolution

UNIT 3 | HARASSMENT

What is harassment?
Harassment legislation
Categories of harassment
Sexual harassment

UNIT 4 | PREVENTION

Bullying Vs Management
Dignity at Work policy
Roles
Grievance procedure
Trade Unions

UNIT 5 | RESPONDING TO A COMPLAINT

Procedures
Responding to a bullying or harassment complaint
Formal investigation
If a bullying complaint is upheld
External bodies

UNIT 6 | QUIZ

WHO SHOULD TAKE THE COURSE?

The Echo3 online Dignity at Work course is beneficial for employees at all levels, including managers, and HR professionals.

It’s essential for anyone seeking to foster a respectful and inclusive workplace culture, prevent harassment and discrimination, and enhance interpersonal skills for effective communication and collaboration.

CERTIFCATE & ACCREDITATION

At the end of this CPD-accredited online Dignity at Work course there is a 15-question multiple-choice quiz.

Where learners demonstrate their understanding of course content by achieving a minimum score of 80%, they will then receive a completion certificate by email.

If a learner scores less than 80%, they can then revisit any part of the course and are offered the opportunity to retake the quiz until they are successful.

A posted certificate is available here.

The Dignity at Work certificate is valid for 3 years.

ECHO3 BENEFITS

The Echo3 online Dignity at Work course offers numerous benefits.

By addressing issues like bullying and harassment, the course equips individuals with practical tools to foster a positive work environment.

The interactive online format accommodates diverse schedules, allowing participants to learn at their own pace.

The course also promotes compliance with legal and ethical frameworks, reducing organisational risks.

Payment can be made securely online with Stripe or Paypal. Or email us for a quote and we can send an invoice.

The Echo3 training platform is carbon-negative so by choosing our training you’ll reduce you own businesses carbon footprint.

Administration is simple, we can find the best solution that works for you. Whether staff have email addresses of not.

WHAT IS HARASSMENT?

Harassment is defined in law as any unwanted conduct that “has the effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual.”

Under the Equality Act 2010, harassment using this definition relates to nine specific characteristics protected by law.

The nine protected characteristics are:

age
disability
gender reassignment
marriage and civil partnership
pregnancy and maternity
race
religion or belief
sex
sexual orientation

Discrimination by Association – The law also protects an individual where they themselves may not fall within the nine protected characteristics but they experience harassment or unfair treatment because they have, for example, family members or friends who do have a protected characteristic.

Harassment can usually be, but not limited to, put into three main categories. They are:

Verbal
Visual or Nonverbal
Physical

WHAT IS BULLYING?

Bullying is described by ACAS (‘Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service’) as unwanted behaviour that is “offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting”.

Bullying may occur as a one-off incident or be something that happens regularly, and can be from one individual or a group. While often characterised as from a manager toward a member of their team, bullying can also arise from staff toward a manager or more senior employee. This is called ‘upward bullying’

Bullying behaviours can include:

Criticism/personal insults
Ignoring or excluding people
Setting impossible targets
Shouting at people
Making inconsistent demands
Intentionally blocking training / promotion opportunities

The definition of bullying does not include reasonable management action carried out in a fair way. Managers have a right to manage their team, set standards, and motivate staff to perform effectively. This should be done in a respectful way and should not be characterised by the abuse of power.

Clear and constructive feedback shared between a manager and an employee about their performance or conduct may sometimes feel uncomfortable, but this does not automatically mean that an individual is being bullied.

When concerns are raised it is therefore important to assess what is happening objectively.

RESPONDING TO A COMPLAINT

Response to any complaint should be guided by company policy and procedures (for example Grievance and Disciplinary Polices, Dignity at Work, Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities).

When there is a complaint of bullying raised, employers should always respond. It is important any complaint is investigated fairly, thoroughly, confidently, and promptly. This not only helps establish the facts rather than simply rely on subjective perception, but early action also increases the chances of securing a successful resolution.

If you do not act to resolve the complaint as quickly as possible, things may get worse. This may ultimately lead to legal action being taken against you.

CONTACT

If you have any questions about this Dignity at Work training, please email [email protected].