Tag: mediation

Check out the latest issue of FactFinders. In this edition we offer some internet tips and tricks for investigators and provide news about Benard + Associates new Ottawa office and our educational offerings. Our goal in publishing our newsletter is to to offer some ideas and thoughts to our clients and colleagues that will promote thought and discussion about the work we do.....and of course self promotion!

The issue of workplace violence continues to make the news. Recently a study titled Workplace Violence and Harassment: A European Picture published by the European Agency for Health and Safety at Work. Agency Director, Jukka Takala stated, “Both violence and harassment represent serious but under-reported threats to the safety and wellbeing of workers in Europe”. There is debate in various countries around the world about the need to legislate obligations for employers to establish programs focused on reduction of workplace violence and harassment.

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.

On April 27, 2011 Dean will be speaking on the topic of undertaking regulatory investigations and gathering evidence at the 15th Annual Professional Regulation and Discipline Conference held by Infonex.   

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