‘Lack of guidance for worker issues’
Employers are failing to provide staff with guidance on company policy for dealing with human resource issues, Canada Life research has revealed.
An online survey of 1607 employees found that lack of guidance was risking costly periods of absence and, in extreme cases, potential legal action.
As many as 64 per cent of respondents said they had no official advice or support on how to handle sexism in the workplace, and 70 per cent were unaware of the official procedure to deal with unwanted sexual advances.
Only 45 per cent had received guidance on dealing with racism, while just 22 per cent were advised on how to cope with stress.
Paul Avis, sales and marketing director for Canada Life Group Insurance, said: “It is worrying so many employees are unsure how to deal with these problems. Employers should ensure that they communicate with employees about how to handle such problems.
“Many benefit packages include support services for employees, such as employee assistance programmes which can provide them with counselling in stressful situations.”