How broad is the term 'harrassment' at work

[colin79ie]

Just curious on this one.

An ex-colleague of mine has been telling me about their HR person (there's only 1 in the company) Basically, this person doesn't understand the type of work the company does, but has all the HR qualifications known to mankind! However, they are compensating for their lack of knowledge of the industry with aggressiveness.

My colleague informs me that he (and others) in the company are continually being ignored on all emails sent to this HR person, but if HR email anyone else and they dont respond immediately, they are making an issue of it with management.

My colleague has sent (recorded) letters to HR over a year ago, and they are denying having seen them.

I have a feeling that complaining to Management wont work as this person appears to have been 'hand-picked' due to their lack of practical knowledge and are solely there to implement the company's master plan in HR.

I'm sure others have been in similar situations and I would like to be able to give my colleague some advice as he is seriously thinking of leaving.

 

[Latrade]

Harassment is pretty well defined as is bullying. Without quoting the whole paragraph, harassment is separate to bullying and is distinct. Harassment would generally be an act which could be deemed to be discriminatory, so would have to be based upon age, gender, race, etc.

While something may be offensive, it doesn't automatically mean it is harassment.

Bullying is repeated inappropriate behaviour that could reasonably be seen to have undermined an individuals right to dignity at work (paraphrasing).

 

[Neg Covenant]

For information re bullying and harrassment at work go to the Health & Safety Authority website:
http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Workplace_Health/Bullying_at_Work/

Your friend should in the same letter ask for a copy of the company's anti-bullying policy and details of who to complain to if the person you are accusing of bullying is the HR person. That should soften their cough. Be careful though. Making a vexatious accusation is usually considered to be misconduct!