A Step in the Right Direction

21 Jul

Starting from 13 June 2023, the time limit for bringing a personal grievance for sexual harassment in the workplace has been extended. This contractual act now allows individuals more time to raise a personal grievance, with the time limit increasing from 90 days to 12 months.

We’re celebrating this change. It improves the personal grievance process for people who have experienced sexual harassment by allowing them more time to understand, talk to a professional or friend, and articulate their experience in a safe and supportive environment before coming forward.

It is common for individuals who experience sexual harassment to need time. Time is necessary to process the situation for themselves let alone feel brave enough to share the experience with someone they trust. Everyone is different and has different thresholds to cope and respond to these events. Can you imagine just how intimidating going to anyone at your work or to the HR department may feel?

While we celebrate, we can see that this step in the right direction is a small step. WE believe that 12 months is a bare minimum - 12 years is what some individuals need to come forward.

We have a long way to go in preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. Reporting sexual harassment should not be necessary, but unfortunately, some people do not uphold values of respect, care, and consent, leading to behaviours that cause harm. To all survivors and individuals who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace: you are not alone, and we stand with you.

We are curious. What are the processes in your workplace regarding this policy change for any employee who wishes to declare a personal grievance? Is it clear who they should contact, and is the pathway to resolution well-defined? Are there clear support options available? We often see individuals hold back from reporting incidents due to a perception that their workplace is unsupportive and unwilling to take the time to address their concerns. How are you demonstrating openness and kindness to encourage those to come forward with personal grievances?

If you are in this situation and need some support to bring a personal grievance - there are some awesome resources available. Community Law are awesome. Citizens Advice Bureau have some great information about the process and clearly laid first steps to take. There are some free meditation services through MBIE.

In addition, there may be some ways that Bloom could help you when you're in this situation so please reach out to us and we'll see what we can do.