Inappropriate behaviour

Regardless of what form it takes, inappropriate behaviour at work involves crossing employees’ boundaries. Conflicts, aggression, bullying, discrimination or harassment, for example.

Respect in the workplace

As an employer, you want to ensure that employees have a safe working environment in which their mental wellbeing and physical integrity are respected. Expecting or hoping that inappropriate behaviour will not occur in your organisation is asking for trouble.

A psychosocial risk prevention policy must therefore clearly indicate the boundaries that everyone must respect. Only if this is made crystal clear to everyone in the organisation – for example through respect at work training – can colleagues work together in a pleasant atmosphere and feel motivated.

Confidential discussion

Managers play a crucial role in taking action against inappropriate behaviour. Sometimes, though, they are part of the problem. That’s why a person of trust or a psychosocial risk prevention advisor is also an important contact person in your organisation. Employees can contact them for a confidential discussion or to report problems that could lead to psychosocial stress.

Formal and informal procedure

Employees are responsible for respecting one another’s boundaries. But what if a case of inappropriate behaviour occurs? An informal or formal route to a solution can be sought via the confidential or psychosocial risk prevention advisor.

You can learn to respond appropriately

Inappropriate behaviour at work is a sensitive matter. Employees need to understand how to respond appropriately as a victim or witness of bullying or harassment. Managers too can only take effective action if they know how to deal with these situations.