Organisations should treat any form of harassment or bullying seriously not just because of the legal implications, but because it can lead to under-performance at work, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is advising.

The CIPD says bullying and harassment are still worryingly prevalent in the workplace and is urges employers to continue to put into place measures to tackle the problem of bullying in the workplace and to invest the resources needed to reduce bullying and harassment at work. 

Dianah Worman, CIPD diversity adviser, says: “Eliminating all forms of harassment and bullying makes good business sense. A workplace environment which is free from hostility enables people to contribute more effectively to organisational success and to achieve higher levels of job satisfaction. People cannot make their best contribution when under fear of harassment, bullying or abuse.”