In today’s fast-changing workplace, it is important to understand bullying and bossing dynamics to maintain a healthy work environment. Workplace bullying and bossing are two terms that pertain to different forms of psychological harassment in an organization. This article explores the concepts of bullying and bossing in the Latvian work context, offering insights for lawyers and employers.
Definitions of Bullying and Bossing
Workplace bullying is a situation where one or more employees subject another worker to repeated mistreatment, leading to health implications. Verbal abuse, any nonverbal offensive conduct or behavior, as well as work interference that prevents work from progressing are some examples of mistreatment. However, when it comes to bossing, the harasser who could be a boss like a manager or employer uses psychological means to torment his subordinate.
Both words indicate psychological harassment; however, while the former can be done by coworkers or subordinates, the latter is achieved by those with authority over others.
Legal Framework in Latvia
In Latvia, there are no specific laws prohibiting workplace bullying and bossing but these practices are covered under general legislation. According to Articles 91 and 95 of Satversme (The Latvian Constitution) human dignity is protected by law, including equality before the law, which extends to workplace relations too. Besides this, the Labor Law of Latvia provides for safe and healthy working conditions free from any form of discrimination or harassment.
Employers have a duty under Section 28 of the Labor Law to provide workplaces that do not contain any kind of mistreatment. Every employee has rights according to Section 7 that include fair treatment during employment regardless of their race, among other factors. At the same time, it should be noted that all workers must have equal rights before the law because employers’ discrimination, such as “mental torture,” is forbidden.
Identifying Bullying and Bossing Behaviors
- Verbal Abuse: Name-calling, cursing, or constant criticism
- Social Isolation: Employee exclusion from meetings, conversations, or social events
- Unreasonable Work Demands: Assigning tasks that come with deadlines/tasks which cannot be met.
- Sabotage: Intentional disruption of a worker’s performance
- Undermining Authority: In the case of bossing, this may involve belittling or denigrating an employee’s ideas in the presence of others.
It is crucial for both employees and employers to understand these behaviors so that they can effectively respond to them.
Addressing Bullying and Bossing
- Develop Clear Policies: Companies need to have clear anti-bullying policies that outline what behavior is unacceptable and how incidents should be reported and addressed. This information should also be included in the company’s internal regulations as required by Section 56 of Labor Law.
- Training and Awareness: Regular training carried out according to Section 53 of Labor Law will help workers identify bullying actions directed at them as well as inform them about their due duties.
- Support Systems: There should be implementation of support systems such as counseling services or employee assistance programs to aid affected individuals with their problems.
- Reporting Mechanisms: Confidential reporting channels that are accessible without fear of victimization. Employers must develop procedures for dealing with complaints according to Section 74 of Labor Law.
- Investigations: All reported incidents should be promptly and objectively investigated, followed by appropriate actions based on the findings. Section 102 of Labor Law advocates for thoroughness and impartiality when resolving employee conflicts.
Legal Remedy
To resolve the problem in question or take it to court, an employee can knock on the door of any Latvian court. According to the Civil Law, specifically Section 1635, employees have a right to seek moral damages caused by bullying at a workplace. In addition to this, there have been instances whereby employers have failed to provide safe and healthy work environments, leading to the issue discussed above, emphasizing that they are responsible for preventing and addressing harassment at work.
Conclusion
Understanding and addressing bullying and bossing in modern workplaces is necessary for creating a positive work environment. Legal professionals and employers need to educate customers about their legal rights as well as how they can go about resolving such acts before they happen. The implementation of comprehensive policies and support systems guarantees that employers provide a safe working environment in which every employee is respected, thereby promoting not only general workplace health but also productivity in the organization.
Attorneys at law and lawyers in Riga play a vital role in guiding both employees and employers through the complexities of workplace harassment, ensuring that legal standards are upheld and rights are protected.