Moving from COMPLIANCE TO COMMITMENT will do more than help your bottom line.
Legal standards governing workplace harassment and discrimination exist in many countries around the world. Under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
- “Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment,
to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal
work.” (Article 23)
Many organizations have demonstrated that going beyond compliance to legislative requirements can have many positive impacts on individual employee moral, on the functioning of teams, and on the identity of the organization as a whole.
What are the COSTS of not actively promoting a respectful workplace?
BENEFITS?
- At the very least, promoting initiatives that will address or prevent harassment or other disrespectful behaviours demonstrates organizational commitment towards creating a workplace culture of respect.
- Organizations who take measures to address issues of disrespect in the workplace empower individuals. Employees need to know how to take action themselves and to understand what is appropriate and what is not.
- Many forms of discrimination are subtle and not easy to detect. Moreover, the notion of respect is very cultural and many employees experience disrespect without the “offender” being aware of culture specific norms and expectations. Providing a venue towards creating a culture of respect can contribute to a healthier work environment.
- Creating a respectful workplace environment will ultimately result in decreased turnover and increased employee engagement. Employees who are treated according to their strengths and abilities, rather than personal characteristics or beliefs are more likely to want to give back to the organization.
WHY Graybridge Malkam?
- Competent, sensitive, professional team of subject matter experts… among them former Human Rights Commissioner, psychologist, HR consultants, and adult educators who are experienced in helping others understand and respond to the need for a respectful and inclusive workplace.
- The costs of hiring our team of subject matter experts, coaches, facilitators and/or trainers will be far less than an expensive lawsuit.
- We are a learning organization that is constantly researching and upgrading our knowledge of relevant legislation and best practices.
- As a leading expert in diversity and cross-cultural understanding, we can address regional and/or culture specific notions and experiences of respect.
Our PROFESSIONAL SERVICES in this area include:
- The design and delivery of customized learning interventions to increase awareness and build a culture of respect and inclusion in the workplace.
- Individual coaching for managers towards applying the provisions of the Human Rights Code and understanding their accountability with regards to promoting a culture of respect in the workplace.
- Expert advice towards the development or revision of harassment policies and preventative strategies.
- Focus groups, interviews or surveys to gauge employees’ engagement and to assess the state of respect and inclusion within organizations.
