First published on Friday, August 9, 2024
Last updated on Friday, August 9, 2024
Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we give you a rundown of the week’s top employment law stories. Stay on the pulse of current trends impacting your business, plus get up-to-the-minute commentaries on all things HR and legal.
How to deal with workplace bullying
August is Don’t Be a Bully Month, so we’ve gathered tips and best practices for dealing with and reducing workplace bullying.
It’s important to remember employers have a responsibility to provide for the welfare of their workforce while at work and to ensure that dignity in the workplace for all is promoted.
Workplace bullying can have a serious impact on your employees, your team’s morale, and your retention rates if not dealt with correctly. Here are some tips for dealing with workplace bullying:
- Establish an anti-bullying policy: Putting a Bullying Prevention and Resolution Policy in place will help you ensure you have a proper system to receive and deal with complaints
- Investigate and address issues promptly: All incidents and complaints should be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly
- Provide training on respectful behaviour: Raising awareness and training your staff to be able to spot instances of workplace bullying is fundamental
Above all, you should foster a supportive work environment, having an employment assistance programme in place can help create a culture where staff wellbeing comes first and toxic traits like workplace bullying are not tolerated.
18 complaints lodged with WRC about remote and flexible working
According to RTÉ, since the introduction of the ‘Right to Request Remote or Flexible Work’ earlier this year, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has received 18 complaints relating to flexible or remote working.
Under the Work Life Balance Act, employers must consider remote work requests fairly and within reason, with disputes being referred to the WRC if obligations aren’t met.
The code of practice, developed by the WRC, outlines how requests should be made and the necessary timeframes. Employers must balance business needs with employee requests, to ensure a fair process. The European Commission had previously warned Ireland about delays in implementing these new rights, making this a significant step forward.
Employers need to understand and follow this new code of practice for remote and flexible working requests to avoid future disputes.
For more advice on this topic, speak to our team of seasoned employment law experts on 1800 303673, or ask our superfast AI tool Bright Brainbox: ‘Who has the right to request remote working?’
The great unretirement
As reported by The Irish Times, people aged 65+ are joining the workforce at the fastest rate of any age group in Ireland. In fact, the number has risen by 11.2% over the past year.
The cost of living and housing crisis has been cited as a reason for this recent spike. And while economic factors play a role, many also choose to stay in or return to the workforce for a sense of purpose and connection.
Employers should embrace the diversity and experience that older workers bring. Adopting policies like flexible working and offering time off for hobbies and volunteering days can be a great way to support this age group back into work if they are returning.
