Category: blog

Workplace conflict and allegations of poisoned work environments can happen anywhere as a recent news story demonstrates. The Human Rights Tribunal in Ottawa, Ontario is currently dealing with allegations from several staff and managers of a toxic workplace and harassment in the workplace. Even in an  organization with a mandate to assist others in resolving conflict the ugly realities of today's workplace can take hold. Nobody is immune from being exposed and drawn in to workplace conflict.

In a 2010 survey completed by the Workplace Bullying Institute it was found that thirty-five per cent of Americans are experiencing workplace bullying firsthand while an additional fifteen percent report witnessing it. Based on the work we do at Benard + Associates these statistics are no surprise. We have observed a steady flow of reported incidents where bullying and harassment are alleged.

This article demonstrates some of the fundamental challenges faced by regulators to stay relevant. Some provinces are ahead of BC while others struggle to establish themselves and build the confidence of the public. The challenge faced by any regulator is to ensure their processes are fundamentally fair and unbiased. Most people can live with any outcome as long as it was reached through a process they trust. Self-regulation by its very name is a magnet for criticism and regulators will need to be vigilant to ensure they address public concerns.

Well here we are with a new look, new branding, new Website and new blog! Now what? I mean I never had a blog before and I'm not sure what I should say.Don't get me wrong, I am never at a loss for opinions or words to express them but it's important I convey useful and helpful information. As a result you won't see daily blog entries from me. I will blog when I find something important to say. Important to me and hopefully important to you.

More and more we are reading about harassment and workplace violence. In Ontario with the Bill 168 revisions to The Occupational Health and Safety Act we are moving forward in a positive way to aggressively deal with this fundamental challenge to safe and harmonious workplace. It is nice to see other Provinces moving in this direction. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Workplace-harassment-legislation-upated--105452403.html