During Covid-19, several companies implemented long-term and short-term working from home scheme. Where as employees are working from home, how can Employers manage harassment and bullying in the virtual workplace?

Employers must ensure that their current measures against bullying and harassment also complies with the working from home.

The work has moved home, so does the harassment, there are several ways an employee can suffer harassment working from home. The following we outline a few different ways to help Employers recognise when it is happening.

• Cyberbullying or Cyber harassment is one of the different types of Harassment, which can range from posting offensive comments on social media to sending offensive emails.

• Micro-managing employees in excess

• Excessive monitoring

• Excluding employees from emails or meetings.

• Management phoning employees outside of working hours

• Employers that pressures employees to work extra hours without previous agreement.

A dignity at work policy must operate for working on the company premises or at home. According to the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, Employers are legally responsible for preventing harassment in the workplace. In a situation where they are working from home, the same Grievance procedures  and dignity at work policies come to place.

• Grievance Policy

If you already have one, make sure this policy protects your employees, and that your business will not tolerate any bullying. If your business does not have one, you can create a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment within your Company. This policy should include sections specifically for working from home.

The policy should be part of a broad commitment to a safe and healthy workplace and should involve representatives of the Human Resources department if you do not have one, you can outsource these services.

• Keep clear and excellent communication with them.

As work has moved home, Employers and Manager do not have the normal day-to-day interaction. For that reason, it is essential that you keep in contact with your team.

• Ensure you are actively involved with your team.

It is essential to check on your team to ensure they are progressing with the support and motivation necessary. It allows you to analyse how the team is reacting to each other.

• Create awareness among the management

Empower management to have the necessary skills and sensitivity when dealing with and resolving any conflicts. Demonstrate a “top-down” commitment to what is and is not acceptable behaviour in the workplace.