A safe workplace is about more than preventing physical injuries. Employees also need to feel respected, supported and comfortable raising concerns. That is why training in respectful workplace practices, bullying, harassment and workplace violence can be an important part of a comprehensive workplace safety program.
For Canadian employers, practical training can help employees recognize inappropriate behaviour, understand their responsibilities and respond appropriately when concerns arise. It can also help managers and supervisors understand what to do when workplace issues are reported.
Why Respectful Workplace Training Matters
Employees may not always recognize the difference between acceptable workplace interactions and behaviour that could involve bullying, harassment, discrimination, retaliation or intimidation. Supervisors may also be unsure about how to respond when an employee raises a concern.
Training provides a common foundation. Employees can learn key definitions, examples and responsibilities while getting a better understanding of how workplace behaviour affects others.
It also reinforces an important principle: respectful workplace behaviour is everyone’s responsibility, not just management or H.R.
What Does the Training Cover?
The Canadian Harassment, Bullying, and Workplace Violence Prevention online course is designed for employees, managers and supervisors. The approximately one-hour course is 100% online and self-paced.
Topics include:
- Workplace harassment and bullying
- Workplace violence and intimidation
- Discrimination and retaliation
- Complaint procedures and confidentiality
- Bystander intervention
- Intent versus impact
- Power abuse and inappropriate conduct
- The reasonable-person standard
- Conduct involving contractors, clients, vendors and other third parties
- Off-site and work-related activities
The course is recognized across Canada. It references Canadian laws and regulations, including BC Bill 14, Ontario Bill 168, OHSA 2000 and the Canadian Human Rights Act. Employers should confirm that their training and workplace policies meet the requirements applicable to their province, territory and organization.
Benefits for Employees and Employers
Training can give employees and supervisors practical knowledge they can use in everyday workplace situations. Participants learn how to identify inappropriate behaviour, understand reporting responsibilities and respond appropriately when they witness or experience problematic conduct.
For employers, online training can provide a consistent foundation across the workforce without requiring everyone to attend a classroom session at the same time. Participants can complete the course at their own pace, while online records make it easier to manage training and certification information.
The course includes testing throughout the training. Participants must achieve an 80% mark to receive a certificate of completion.
Training should complement—not replace—workplace policies, reporting procedures, investigations and other prevention measures.
Build a More Respectful Workplace
Respectful workplaces are supported by clear expectations, effective policies, open communication and employees who understand how to recognize and respond to inappropriate behaviour.
Online training gives Canadian employers a convenient way to provide employees, managers, and supervisors with a shared foundation in harassment, bullying, and workplace violence prevention.
The course is approximately one hour, self-paced and 100% online, with a certificate provided upon successful completion. The registration fee is $37.99 CAD.
Ready to strengthen respectful workplace practices in your organization?
Explore the Canadian Harassment, Bullying, and Workplace Violence Prevention course from Safe + Sound. Click here(opens in new tab) for course information and registration.