Research shows bus operators are undertaking new management strategies to prevent harassment
Bus operators are undergoing a cultural shift in workplace management practices to prevent workplace bullying, latest research shows.
Research conducted by the Interact Group in 2013, supported by the Australian Public Transport Industrial Association (APTIA), indicated that an alarming one in five drivers had experienced bullying or harassment while on the job.
Further, more than 60 per cent of drivers indicated that they had experienced more than one negative event within the workplace within a 12 month period.
Interact Group Managing Director Nikki Brouwers says she is fortunate enough to have seen the success that bus operators have had where they have managed to positively influence the psychological wellbeing of their employees as well as their business.
“Not only are operators changing the way they manage and prevent workplace bullying but drivers are also adopting new skills when it comes to managing their own workplace health and wellbeing.”
Brouwers says the industry has taken a proactive stance and is at the forefront of change.
“For bus operators, it makes good business sense to ensure workplace harassment is prevented or controlled,” she says.
“Workplace harassment can have significant human and financial costs for a business and can lead to the breakdown of teams and individual relationships, poor worker health and reduced efficiency, productivity and profitability.”
Brouwers will host an inaugural Bus and Transport Industry Leaders forum to discuss the current landscape of workplace health and wellbeing with key figures within the industry on August 21.