Research has shown that there are 1.2 million people in the Netherlands who do not enjoy going to work. Every single day they have to deal with bullying at work. It’s not just about teasing but about name calling and, in the worst cases (sexual) intimidation. It is, however, hard to establish when something is bullying and when it is just teasing. A peek down a colleague’s cleavage, should this be possible or not? What is the situation with jokes about someone’s origin?
One person finds it a masterly joke; the other doesn’t think it funny at all. It is hard to set limits here, as everyone is different. It is, however, important to take the other’s feelings into account. What you see as an innocent joke can be felt by another as an insult. Marel wants everyone to experience a good atmosphere at work. That’s why we are working together in several areas to promote a good atmosphere at work, your development and your safety. Everyone should feel comfortable and enjoy going to work each morning.
Break the taboo
For adults, owning up to being bullied on the factory floor is a big taboo. When someone is bullied, this is often felt as a sign of weakness. This is absolutely not a sign of weakness, as it can happen to the most assertive and self-confident of people. It also happens that employees look for the reason in themselves. That’s a shame and is unnecessary. Marel is always there to help in such cases. If there is a difficult situation on the factory floor, it is crucial that this is reported as soon as possible to a manager or person of confidence within the department. At Marel we find every kind of bullying unacceptable and will do everything to prevent or remedy it. But we have to know about it. That is the only way we can help you or someone else out of such difficulties. For more information on persons of confidence, advice and our approach click on https://www.marelsamensterk.nl/aan-de-slag/#samen-veilig.
Be there for each other; together we are strong.
