As part of this month’s Focus on: Workplace Conflict series, a new CIPD report exposes significant gaps between employer confidence in workplace policies and employee experiences with bullying and harassment. 

The report, based on UK data from over 2,000 employers and 5,000 employees, highlights that while eight in 10 (81%) employers feel they are doing enough to prevent and manage bullying and harassment at work, only 36% of employees who experienced conflict feel it has been fully resolved. These findings come at a critical time, with new legal requirements on workplace fairness set to come into force in the UK in October 2024. 

 

“Having an anti-bullying and harassment policy that outlines a robust approach to inappropriate behaviour can help to prevent conflict and enable people to speak up. This will help to create a culture where everyone feels able to challenge unfair treatment.”

Rachel Suff, Senior Employee Relations Adviser, CIPD

This report is essential reading for organisations seeking to improve conflict resolution strategies and foster a healthier work environment. It also addresses the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in handling sexual harassment cases and offers guidance on their appropriate and lawful use. 

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the CIPD

At the CIPD, we champion better work and working lives. We help organisations to thrive by focusing on their people, supporting economies and society for the future. We lead debate as the voice for everyone wanting a better world of work. 

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