NSGEU launches Bully-Free Workplace Program

Press Release from NUPGE

The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) is pleased to announce the official launch of a new occupational health and safety initiative: The NSGEU Bully-Free Workplace Program.

NSGEU President Joan Jessome with facilitators.

The initiative is a peer-to-peer facilitation program tested and proven over the past year in a variety of workplaces across the province.

“Bullying is very detrimental to employees and employers,” NSGEU says.

“According to the Canada Safety Council, 75% of people bullied in the workplace will leave their jobs. Bullying has been shown to reduce productivity and result in increased sick time for employees. It leads to increased stress, lack of motivation and a lack of trust.”

The Bully-Free Workplace Program is offering two-hour awareness sessions and six-hour interactive workshops. NSGEU provides trained facilitators, who are NSGEU members, and the materials to run the program. Employers contribute the commitment of employee time, location and lunch or refreshments for those attending – where appropriate.

The program covers topics for both employers and employees, such as:

- Strategies employers and managers can use to reduce workplace bullying.

- How to tell the difference between normal managerial activities and bullying.

- How to observe staff for signs of bullying.

- Skills to use to change the dynamics of an unhealthy relationship at work.

“Bully-free workplaces are more efficient, productive and stable,” NSGEU says. “They are healthier places to work with lower rates of employee absenteeism and turnover. We are pleased to offer this program to our employers and our members.”