A recent TikTok video highlighting the experience of a waitress facing bullying at her workplace has sparked a discussion about the prevalence of workplace bullying in South Africa.
With many South Africans being forced back into the office, the worrying issue of workplace bullying has raised its head and is a real issue for not only employees but also employers. Getting involved. Nobavu’s first-hand account of the bullying she experienced at Babel via her superiors on her hair choices and what she wore was something that several other waitresses have experienced.
Her comments section on her TikTok account was flooded with messages of support but also fellow workers commiserated with her on their shared experience.Anja van Beek, a talent strategist, and Human Resources (HR) expert said that bullying isn't just about aggressive behaviour; it is about power dynamics. “In South Africa, workplace bullying often goes unreported because of fear of retaliation or disbelief,” she explained.The HR expert explained that workplace bullying can be defined as repeated, and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or a group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety. “Workplace bullying is usually seen as acts or verbal comments that could psychologically or 'mentally' hurt or isolate a person in the workplace,” she added.She noted that one of the main reasons for this is that it is difficult to prove as it often takes place behind closed doors or in subtle ways that leave little evidence. “Additionally, the lines between firm management and bullying can be blurred, leaving employees confused about whether their experience qualifies as bullying,” Van Beek acknowledged. It is important to note that South Africa’s legal framework for addressing bullying is still evolving. “While the Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace provides some guidelines, there is still a lack of clear legal philosophy on corporate bullying. This leaves many employees without a clear path to seek justice, especially when the bullying is more subtle,” Van Beek sai
WORKPLACE BULLYING SOUTH AFRICA EMPLOYEES EMPLOYERS LEGAL FRAMEWORK
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Expanding Workplace Safety to Include Mental Health in South AfricaSouth African legislation now explicitly recognizes employers' responsibility to promote and protect both the physical and mental well-being of their employees. While companies traditionally focused on physical safety, the expanded Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) acknowledges the importance of mental health. The news highlights rising concerns about declining mental health among South African employees, emphasizing the need for employers to address these issues proactively.
Read more »
South Africa: Le Kip Kip Revolutionizes HIV Prevention Conversations Among South African WomenInterview - Venessa Chen - a research program coordinator at the Program for Implementation Equity Research within the Johns Hopkins Center for Public Health and Human Rights - shared her research findings on The impact of the Le Kip Kip Social Influence Campaign on PrEP knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions among women in South Africa - at the...
Read more »
China, South Africa, BRICS & Africa Threats of Impending US TariffsTrying to impose restrictions on third party exports of goods from China to the USA comes with its own challenges that include the high cost of identifying the origin of the goods and possible opposition and retaliation from Chinese funded overseas investment enterprises.
Read more »
South Africa emerges as Africa’s leading Crypto hubCryptocurrency is transforming South Africa by driving financial inclusion, enabling small businesses to access global markets, and offering an instant, trustless payment system with world-changing potential.
Read more »
South Africa: How South African Women Navigate Gender Issues on TikTokThe Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change (CABC) has released its latest report, Gender-Based Violence and Misogyny TikTok Analytics and Narrative Update in South Africa, on the online conversation regarding gender-based violence and misogyny.
Read more »
Workplace bullying: How to deal with colleagues who play unofficial boss'If you are clear that you are not being over-sensitive or over-reacting, but that you are the target of a bully, you can start putting in place strategies to address and resolve the issue.'
Read more »