IMPROVING WORKPLACE BEHAVIOURS IN MATERNITY
WHAT IS BULLYING?
Bullying is repeated actions
and practices directed to one
or more workers which are
unwanted by the victim which
may be done deliberately or
unconsciously but clearly
cause humiliation offence and
distress and may interfere with
the job performance and cause
an unpleasant and damaging
working environment.
(Einersan 1990)
GILLIAN SMITH MBE & JACQUE GERRARD
THIS IS WHAT BULLYING LOOKS LIKE
Intimidating behaviour e.g.
ridiculing, excluding, withholding
information, overloading,
marginalising, micromanaging
Threatening which can
be physical or emotional
Gossiping and
spreading rumours
Negative and nonconstructive feedback
Blocking professional development
Criticism of
skills in front
of others
Sexual advances
Disagreement on
action plans in
front of patients
Harassment
RCM / RCOG WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE BEHAVIOUR IN MATERNITY
• Joint RCM / RCOG statement.
• Developed a Toolkit.
• Delivered RCM workshops across the NHS.
• Developed champions in the workplace.
• Produced an i-learn module and video to help.
Resources available at: www.rcm.org.uk/bullying
THIS IS WHAT RCM MEMBERS TELL US
“There is a bullying culture within my Trust”.
“Our line managers gives more criticism than praise”.
“There are some toxic managers who use bullying and intimidation to keep those who speak out quiet”.
OUR LATEST INITIATIVE
Visit: www.rcm.org.uk/caring-for-you-campaign
(RCM Member survey 2016)
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Talk to: Peers, Mentors, Local Champions or RCM Workplace Reps.
• Keep a diary of events.
• Make a formal complaint.
• Never join in gossip.
• Be supportive to all staff.
• Be courageous and assertive to the bully.
Do not rely on someone else
to intervene. If you don’t do
something the cycle will continue.
Do not walk by when you see
it happening. Have courage
to help and report it!
THINK ABOUT THE IMPACT YOUR BEHAVIOUR HAS ON OTHERS
Hold the mirror to yourself!
WHAT CAN WE ALL DO?
Lets all work together to STOP bullying and improve
workplace behaviour across maternity by promoting ZERO
tolerance to eradicate all bullies from maternity care.
References:
Einarsen S (1999). ’The nature and causes of bullying at work’. Int Journal of Manpower, 20(1/2): 16-27.
RCOG/RCM (2015). Undermining toolkit, London: RCOG. https//www.rcog.org.uk/len/careers-training/workplace-workforce-issues/improving-workplace behaviours-dealing-with-undermining/behaviours-toolkit//
RCM (2016) Caring for You Campaign: Survey Results. https:www.rcm.org.uk/caringforyou