|
Greetings, VA Nation!
In this issue of the Monthly Harassment Prevention Bulletin, you will find:
- the final installment of our series on Subtle Workplace Harassment;
- an archive of past topics and resources from the Subtle Workplace Harassment series; and
- information about harassment prevention training courses.
Please continue to share this bulletin with your colleagues. Together, we can prevent harassment at the VA!
|
|
|
Subtle Workplace Harassment - Part Five
|
|
|
Some examples of workplace harassment are so clear that there’s no question in anyone’s mind that harassment is taking place. However, many people are genuinely surprised that other more subtle forms of harassment also qualify as such.
Harassment doesn’t have to include harsh words or gestures exchanged directly. More insidious forms of harassment can include things like pinning offensive images up in a cubicle or consistently getting too physically close to a colleague.
The official, legal definition of harassment varies by state and sometimes by context. Regardless of its legality or subtlety, harassment is a serious threat to the VA. It corrodes the culture by creating an unwelcoming work environment, and it brings plenty of other ill-effects, including lost productivity, high turnover, and increased legal risk.
|
|
|
Inappropriate or offensive remarks at work are frequently disguised as jokes. In other terms, many offensive comments in the workplace are delivered in joke form.
Some people truly think that jokes are somehow exempt from the expectations of polite and civil behavior typically expected in the workplace. Others know that their “humor” (such as a biting, sarcastic comment) might be hurtful, but hide behind the excuse that they were “just joking around.”
Sarcasm and humor can have a place at work. In some situations and environments, they may stimulate creativity and help teams work better together. However, these approaches must be used very carefully. Jokes often require a target, and any sentiment that makes employees feel excluded or intimidated is not acceptable, whether it comes with a punchline or not.
|
|
|
The last four bulletins covered important topics as part of the Subtle Workplace Harassment multi-series. Catch up on past issues or revisit resources as a refresher!
Bulletins
Resources
Beginning next month, the Office of Resolution Management, Diversity and Inclusion (ORMDI) will host virtual training sessions for VA Handbook 5979. The class is titled, "Overview of VA Handbook 5979 - Harassment Prevention Program Procedures."
Classes will take place monthly from August 3rd to December 21st at 12:00 p.m. EST. Executives, managers, and supervisors are encouraged to attend. Search for course item number 4627175 in TMS, and choose a date and time to register.
Please contact Larry Holman with any questions.
|
|
During FY22, the Office of Resolution Management, Diversity and Inclusion (ORMDI) will host monthly virtual learning events titled, "Overview of the Harassment Prevention Program (HPP)."
Classes are scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST and 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. EST. All employees and supervisors are welcome. Search for course item number 4563938 in TMS, and choose a date and time to register.
Please contact Ronald McCullough with any questions.
|
|
|
Report harassing conduct to your immediate supervisor (or second-line supervisor if the first-line supervisor is the alleged harasser); your facility's Harassment Prevention Coordinator (HPC); or the ORMDI HPP office at
1-888-56-NEW VA (1-888-566-3982) | Option # 3 |
|
Office of Resolution Management Diversity & Inclusion (ORMDI)
1575 I Street NW Washington DC 20005
202-461-4064 / www.va.gov/ormdi
|
|
|
|
