Workplace Bullying and Harassment Policy

Hatrix Recruitment recognises the risk to workers health and safety from exposure to bullying and harassment at work and has adopted a zero-tolerance policy. Should you experience any bullying or harassment whilst working for Hatrix Recruitment (directly or through a host employer) please contact your Hatrix Recruitment contact immediately. This policy applies to all managers, employees, job seekers, clients and visitors in any workplace setting, including off-site locations, company events, and digital platforms.

Bulling and harassment includes any unwanted or offensive behaviour that undermines, threatens, or intimidates an individual or group, and creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. It can be carried out by any person, including managers, supervisors, co-workers, clients, or third parties. 

Workplace bullying and harassment may include:

• Verbal abuse, insults, derogatory remarks, or offensive jokes.
• Threats, intimidation, or aggressive gestures.
• Unwanted physical contact or invasion of personal space.
• Spreading malicious rumours or gossip about an individual.
• Displaying offensive or inappropriate images, messages, or materials.
• Persistent criticism or humiliation in public or private settings.
• Exclusion or isolating someone socially.
• Sabotaging work, withholding information, or deliberately setting unreasonable deadlines.
• Discrimination based on protected characteristics, such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or nationality.
• Cyberbullying or harassment through digital channels, including social media, email, or instant messaging.

Hatrix Recruitment operate a 3-part approach to bullying and harassment, and this forms the workplace bullying and harassment procedure:

1.      Prevention:

• Training workers about what constitutes bullying or harassment behaviour.
• Creating awareness of the health and safety risks associated with bullying and harassment.
• Encouraging reporting.
  

2.   Investigation:

• Suitably trained individuals investigate all reports.
• Following set guidelines, investigate all cases in a fair, unbiased manner.
  

3.      Control:    

• Put control strategies in place that include (where relevant):

                                                      i.     Re-assigning tasks/shifts/work locations.

                                                     ii.     Mediation (internal or external).

                                                    iii.     Counselling.

                                        iv.      Disciplinary action, possibly resulting in termination of employment.

Hatrix Recruitment, as a company, is responsible for ensuring that:

• A safe workplace is provided for all people where there is a demonstrated zero-tolerance to workplace bullying and harassment behaviour.
• There are effective workplace bullying and harassment procedures and support mechanisms in place.
• All employees are trained and familiar with the workplace bullying and harassment procedures.
• Maintaining and reviewing the workplace bullying and harassment procedure as required.

Hatrix Recruitment’s managers and supervisors are responsible for:

• Ensuring all workers understand and are familiar with the workplace bullying and harassment policy and procedures.
• Ensuring workers understand what appropriate and inappropriate behaviour in a workplace in respect of workplace bullying and harassment is.
• Identifying any inappropriate behaviour in the workplace that may lead to workplace bullying or harassment.
• Assisting workers with informal or formal notifications and resolutions of workplace bullying and harassment matters or concerns.
• Be familiar with relevant investigation procedures.
• Remain impartial and treat all cases fairly.
• Manage each case in a confidential and timely manner.
• Respond to all reported cases.
• Ensure prompt referral to support/mediation.
• Oversee controls and follow-up as required.
• Maintaining records required by legislation relating to workplace bullying and harassment.

All employees (managers, supervisors and workers) are responsible for:

• Ensure their behaviour in the workplace is always appropriate for the work environment.
• Not act in a manner which could be considered or interpreted as being workplace bullying or harassment against others.
• Follow reasonable directions in respect of workplace bullying or harassment while working for Hatrix Recruitment.
• Co-operate with investigations and follow-ups regarding bullying or harassment issues and/or complaints as required.
• If you are the recipient of or witness to bullying or harassment, report to a supervisor or manager and complete an Incident Report Form.

REPORTING AND COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

If an employee believes they have been subject to, or witnessed, any form of bulling or harassment, they should report the incident immediately. Hatrix Recruitment have implemented the below reporting and complaint procedure:

• Reporting – Employees should report an incident to their immediate supervisor or manager. If the complaint involves the immediate supervisor or manager, the employee should report the incident to the next level of management.
• Confidentiality – All complaints will be treated with utmost confidentiality, and information will only be shared with those who need to be involved in the investigation and resolution process.
• Investigation – Upon receiving a complaint, Hatrix Recruitment will promptly initiate an investigation. The investigation will be fair, objective, and conducted by individuals not involved in the complaint.
• Remedial Action – if the investigation confirms bullying or harassment has occurred, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, up to and including termination of employment or contract. The disciplinary action will depend on the severity and frequency of the behaviour, and may also include counselling, training, or other corrective measures.
• Non-retaliation - Hatrix Recruitment strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against individuals who report incidents of bullying or harassment. Retaliation against complainants, witnesses, or those involved in the investigation process will be treated as a separate violation of company policy.