STRESSOR 4: RELATIONSHIPS

Includes promoting postive working to avoid conflict and dealing with unacceptable behaviour 

Management Standard:

• Employees indicate that they are not subject to unacceptable behaviours, e.g. bullying at work
• Systems are in place locally to respond to any individual concerns 

 What should be happening / states to be achieved:

• Department promotes positive behaviours at work to avoid conflict and ensure fairness
• Employees share information relevant to their work
• The Department has agreed policies and procedures to prevent or resolve unacceptable behaviour
• Systems are in place to enable and encourage managers to deal with unacceptable behaviour
• Systems are in place to enable and encourage employees to report unacceptable behaviour

Measure currently in place to achieve standard:

• All staff are required to complete the University's on-line 'Diversity in the Workplace' training which outlines an individual's personal responsibilities on diversity and equality issues
• Staff encouraged to discuss concerns relating to relationships with their line manager, if appropriate, at the earliest opportunity
• Annual Performance Review of all staff provides an opportunity for workers to raise any issues relating to relationships with their line manager, if appropriate
• Staff can also report cases of unacceptable behaviour to Biology Human Resources Manager, departmental 'Harrassment Advisors', or an appropriate Trade Union Representative
• University provides an independent 'help line' for individuals experiencing stress
• University has a Code of Practice on Harrassment, with trained confidential advisers available to help
• The University’s Disciplinary Procedure identifies instances of unacceptable behaviour that constitute an offence, and provides clear processes to address such behaviour. Training for managers regarding implementation of the policy is available
• Department organises a number of social events throughout the year to provide opportunities for social interaction and help promote positive working relationships throughout the Department

Feedback from consultation: issues relating to 'relationship' requiring attention

Further action required:

• Stress awareness training required for all managers to make them aware that 'relationships' is one of the key stress risk factors requiring effective management
• Ensure that any management training programmes include the identification and management of stress 
• Ensure managers are familiar with the University Procedures regarding conduct and capability.
• Improve publicity about the means available to staff to report unacceptable behaviour