There are a few kinds of issues you never want to experience as a business owner or management figure, and a hostile workplace is definitely a major example here. How can businesses identify and proactively address hostile workplace issues in ways that benefit their employees and management alike?
At WTA Inc., we’re proud to offer a huge range of human resource services to businesses around Salt Lake City, from recruitment and hiring and payroll services to various general HR services. In this two-part blog series, we’ll look at everything to know about hostile workplaces and how to avoid them – today’s part one will focus on how to identify a hostile workplace and some immediate steps to take once this happens, while part two will focus on more long-term strategies.
Identifying a Hostile Workplace
The first major step in addressing a hostile workplace is being able to identify it. There are several key signs that could indicate a hostile work environment, including:
- Sexual harassment or discrimination: Any kind of sexual harassment or discrimination should be taken extremely seriously and addressed immediately by management.
- Discrimination based on protected classes: In addition to sexual discrimination, any other form of discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, age or gender should also be dealt with promptly and properly.
- Bullying behavior: This includes any sort of intimidation tactics used against employees by others in positions of power. This can include name-calling, threats, humiliation or other similar forms of mistreatment.
- Poor communication: When there’s a lack of communication or transparency between management and employees, it can create a tense and unpleasant work environment.
- High turnover rates: If there’s a high number of employees leaving the company within a short period of time, it could be a sign of deeper issues within the workplace culture.
Immediate Steps to Take
If you suspect that your workplace may have some hostile aspects, it’s crucial to take action as soon as possible. Here are some immediate steps you should consider:
- Review policies: First and foremost, review all company policies related to employee conduct, harassment and discrimination. Make sure they are clearly written and accessible to all employees.
- Update or create new policies: In many cases, it may be necessary to update or create new policies that specifically address any issues that are present in the workplace.
- Address complaints: If there have been specific complaints made by employees, make sure to fully investigate and address them promptly.
- Communicate with employees: Open communication is key when addressing any kind of issue within the workplace. Make sure to keep all employees informed about any changes or updates being made.
- Seek outside help if needed: In some cases, it may be necessary to seek outside help, such as consulting with an HR specialist or legal counsel.
No business wants to be known for having a hostile workplace. By being able to identify the signs and taking immediate action, businesses can avoid potential negative consequences and create a more positive and productive work environment for everyone involved. In part two of this series, we’ll discuss long-term strategies for addressing and preventing hostile workplaces, including employee training and related themes.
At WTA Inc., we strive to help businesses create a healthy and positive work culture. Contact us today for more information about our human resource services or to schedule a consultation.