Tool Box Talk BEHAVIOUR, BANTER BLURRED LINES! Studies show that employees who have close bonds with others at work, tend to be more productive When people enjoy being around those they work with, they are in a better mood which leads to
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Studies show that employees who have close bonds with others at work, tend to be more productive
When people enjoy being around those they work with,
they are in a better mood which leads to better productivity Benefits of workplace banter<br>
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Most of us do it:
a practical joke on a colleague,
a jest at their expense,
or using a nickname that we know they hate but we just can’t help ourselves!
Sometimes work is, well, work – so having fun with our teammates is just how we get through the day
For the most part, this kind of light-hearted behaviour is fine. It can even help people to bond and ensure a positive working atmosphere Benefits of workplace banter<br>
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… there are times, however,
that this behaviour can cross the line and become upsetting to the individual and others, and may breach employment law It can go wrong…..<br>
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Aim of this Toolbox Talk To promote a discussion about banter
…when does it cross the line in your workplace<br>
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VINCI expectations - Code of Conduct An ethical breach is a reputational risk for us
To ensure we are all aligned with the VINCI Values and Behaviours
Its the right thing to do! Code of Conduct
What is the Code of Conduct? The Code of Conduct sets out the ethical principles that guide our behaviours and the expectation that everyone demonstrates based on transparency, integrity, fairness and respect
It serves as a reminder that belonging to the VINCI Group involves more than just strict adherence to the laws and regulations Why do we need to follow the Code of Conduct?<br>
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Behaviour Definition of behaviour, is very simply: the way in which you act or conduct yourself, especially towards others.<br>
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Defining Banter “ Lighten up, its only a bit of banter! ” “exchange remarks
in a good-humoured teasing way”<br>
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How do you know when it’s gone to far<br>
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What our people have said A selection of comments from our recent Leaders in Diversity survey Sexual innuendos and sexist comments/behaviour - it was not handled, as everyone except myself seems to view it as a harmless joke. When trying to raise the issue of sexist behaviour, I was immediately shut down and dismissed. Banter can start to become bullying when both parties no longer engage equally, context matters… Intimidation from a colleague regarding other persons weight issues on more than one occasion. Escalated and the Manager refused to deal with it saying it was just banter Inappropriate behaviour from a PM "joking" about peoples accents and implying they weren't intelligent because of where they are from……<br>
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The Potential Risks Can effect the mental health of individuals
Create poor working relations and effect productivity
Lead to people choosing to leave the business
Damage our business reputation
It can form the basis of a discrimination claim if the comment or action is related to a protected characteristic.<br>
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What can you do ? Don’t get too personal
Set some limits. Picking on someone’s appearance or aspects of their identity, like their gender, race, sexuality or religion, should not be material for funny banter. They might make fun of these things themselves, but it’s a good idea to avoid these topics altogether. Also, if this is someone you know really well, you probably already know some things that your friend is insecure about. If you are aware it is a sensitive subject, it’s best to not go there!
Saying ‘I was only joking’ after the fact, doesn’t help
Even if you really just mean it as a joke, it’s best to apologise if you made someone feel upset. Try not to argue about how you intended the joke to be taken. Doing this can often inflame the situation. Put yourself in their shoes for a moment and remember, the best way to fix the situation is to apologise.
Don’t be a bystander
If you feel like someone is taking it too far in a group chat, maybe they’re just unaware of how they are making the other person feel. Gently point out to them that what they are saying can be taken the wrong way. When they realise how they are making the other person feel, they’ll most likely let up.
If you see that someone is clearly not taking someone else’s banter as a joke, reach out to them and ask them if they are OK.<br>
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Finally… Our commitment to FIR
We strive to have an inclusive work environment, where all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, with equity of access to opportunities and resources where everyone can achieve their potential and contribute fully to the business success.<br>
