How do we define success in ending harassment complaints? The RCMP has begun the process with the implementation of their new policy on Respectful Workplace. As the workplace culture begins this slow transformation cases of gross misconduct have gained political and public attention with added lawsuits.
“The number of misconduct investigations the RCMP launched into their own staff went up by 158 per cent in 2015 over the previous year, leaving 56 officers facing possible dismissal over allegations of serious misconduct.”
It was important that the RCMP publicly acknowledge the workplace cultural problems and be willing to create new policy that focuses on these problems. Also important for this cultural shift is focus on what kind of leaders/officers have the ‘right stuff’, who listen, engage in conversation for better understanding, who are curious and not bullies. Having the difficult conversation requires getting out of the comfort zone and seek better understanding. Leaders and bullies these are two things we choose to be at home and in the workplace.
“While there is still work to do, change to the workplace, particularly cultural change, does not happen overnight, over a year or even over five years. Culture change occurs over a generation,” wrote Paulson.”
“While the report’s authors conceded the bump in Mounties who could be fired for serious misconduct is high, dismissals constitute just 7.5 per cent of all conduct cases. They also made it clear that only 1.29 per cent of members were subject to any allegations of bad behaviour.”
Success in the true definition of the word will take years to achieve. Changing cultural behaviour is a long process and will take several years. Yet there is hope. From my perspective success with the RCMP complaints and grievances on workplace harassment would be the day a victim can file a complaint, there is effective enforcement, investigation and accountability and she/he returns to work without the fear of retribution and alienation by peers.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/rcmp-misconduct-cases-report-1.3541315