Last week the BBC reported that police handling of hate crime is to be reviewed after a recent sharp rise in incidents being reported. Figures showed more than 6000 reports of hate crime since mid-June. In the media we have seen news stories unfolding detailing terrible acts of racism and xenophobia on our streets since the country voted to leave the EU.
There’s no denying that there’s a level of fear amongst minority communities, and True Vision, a police-run site created to combat hate crime, recently recorded a five-fold increase in reported incidents from the public in the days following the referendum result. So what exactly do employers need to be aware of, and what are your responsibilities as we navigate our way through what’s to come? Read on for advice and guidance.
Take a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and harassment
If you witness hateful incidents in your workplace, it’s your responsibility to take action. Leaders should never turn a blind eye to such situations, and if you were to take this route, you’d be likely to find that everything very quickly escalated out of control.
Many of our clients employ diverse workforces and enjoy the many benefits of doing so, but it’s important that you have a plan in place when problems arise. Act fast, and in line with your existing people policies. Be firm, and lead by example. This is no time for waiting around or being ambiguous with your actions.
Contact the appropriate authorities where necessary
Some problems can be nipped in the bud immediately with some clear communication and a firm stand. Sometimes though, there are deeper issues at play, and things can very quickly spiral out of control. It may be the case that you need to involve the police.
This may seem like a big step to take, but it’s vital that you remember that you have a responsibility as an employer. The authorities will be able to give you advice on what to do next, and will be able to take any necessary steps to ensure that the situation is managed in accordance with the law.
Our advice for handling hatred in the workplace is short and to the point. Take action quickly, and take a stand against any such behaviour.
A culture where hate and misconduct is tolerated, or even worse, is encouraged, could result in a higher turnover of staff, lower productivity, damage to the reputation of your business, and ultimately diminished profitability. As HR professionals we are in a position to help you to build a workplace culture that is inclusive and ethical. If you’re not sure where to start, we can help. Give us a call today and we can arrange a no-obligation consultation.