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Workplace bullying, discrimination, and harassment are pervasive issues in Local Government across Australia, casting a long shadow over council meetings, work sites, and everything in between. The consequences are far-reaching, impacting employees’ mental health, safety, and job satisfaction while also incurring significant costs for councils.
Workplace bullying is believed to be significantly underreported due to fear of retaliation or job loss, and is also estimated to cost the Australian economy billions of dollars annually.
In many workplaces, there is growing recognition of the need for stronger prevention and response measures to address workplace bullying.
The high cost of inaction
Australia has been named as one of the world’s most dangerous places to work, with the highest recorded rates of psychological, physical and sexual violence. 1
According to the 2021 World Risk Poll – a survey of 125,911 people in 121 countries – showed that Australia and New Zealand have the highest levels of violence and bullying, with nearly one in two (47.9%) people experiencing some form of workplace harassment in their lifetime. 1
The study also showed that the victims of workplace harassment in Australia and New Zealand are more likely to be female, with 52% of women experiencing some form of violence or harassment within their lifetime, compared with 44% of men. 2
The human toll of bullying, discrimination, and sexual harassment cannot be overstated. These behaviours can often result in:
- Mental health issues such as increased rates of depression, anxiety, and stress.
- Physical health problems including sleep disturbances, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Reduced job satisfaction and performance such as decreased motivation, engagement, and productivity.
- Increased absenteeism and turnover – Bullying can lead to employees taking prolonged stress-leave or leaving their jobs.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where in severe cases, bullying can have long-lasting psychological effects.
The impact can erode trust, stifle innovation, and hinder productivity in the workplace. The financial implications are equally severe, including legal risks and fees, compensation payouts, increased absenteeism and staff turnover, and damage to an organisation’s reputation.
Everyone has a role to play
Whether you’re a victim, perpetrator, or bystander, your actions can significantly impact workplace culture.
It’s essential to recognise that creating a respectful and inclusive environment is a shared responsibility.
The Respect@Work revolution
The Australian Government’s Respect@Work legislation introduced in 2022 has marked a turning point in addressing workplace misconduct. Employers now have a legal obligation to proactively prevent and respond to sexual harassment and create a positive workplace culture.
Unmasking unconscious bias
Unconscious bias, the hidden prejudices we all carry, can undermine diversity and inclusion efforts. By becoming aware of our biases, we can make more objective decisions and foster a fairer workplace.
GRC Solutions: Your partner in change
GRC Solutions offers specialised workplace behaviour training to equip individuals with the tools to prevent and address unacceptable behaviour. Our programs empower employees to recognise and respond to bullying, discrimination, and sexual harassment, while providing managers with strategies for managing incidents effectively. By incorporating unconscious bias training, we help organisations create truly diverse and inclusive workplaces.
Tailored solutions for Local Government
Our comprehensive, modular eLearning suite is specifically tailored for the unique challenges faced by Local Government. Our interactive workshops and expert facilitators deliver practical solutions to help you create a positive and respectful workplace culture.
Who is this for?
Our training is beneficial for all council employees, with specialised modules for managers and supervisors. By investing in workplace behaviour training, you’re not only complying with legislation but also creating a healthier, more productive, and inclusive workplace for everyone.
Are you ready to transform your workplace culture? Contact GRC Solutions today to learn more about our training programs for Local Government.
References
Source: Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll 2021, Safe at Work? Global experiences of violence and harassment. 1
Source: Daily Mail, The most dangerous countries in the world to work are revealed – and it’s not good news for Australia. 2
