INKOVEMA Podcast „Well through time“
#197 GddZ – Bullying in the workplace. Risks and protection against psychosocial stress.
Podcast feature #04
to the
Local conference Halle (Saale) – 21. 11. 2024 – of the Deutscher Arbeitsgerichtsverband e.V. in cooperation with MLU Halle
In conversation with Prof Katja Nebe (MLU Halle)
Prof Katja NebeLawyer and university lecturer, Professor of Civil Law, Labour Law and Social Security Law at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg since 2014. Her research focuses on labour law and social law, with a particular focus on topics such as occupational health and safety, anti-discrimination and rehabilitation law.
Well through time.
The podcast about mediation, conflict coaching and organisational consulting.
Chapter
0:04 – Welcome to the podcast Gut durch die Zeit
2:07 – Bullying in the workplace
4:47 – Local conference of the German Association of Labour Courts
6:18 – Research and current cases
10:37 – Legal framework conditions
14:58 – Challenges in practice
17:41 – Legal aspects of bullying
20:42 – Complexity of bullying situations
27:16 – Mediation as an occupational health and safety measure
33:09 – Invitation to the conference in Halle
Summary
In this episode of the podcast "Gut durch die Zeit", I deal with a particularly relevant and controversial topic: Bullying in the workplace. Together with Professor Katja Nebe, an expert in the field of labour and social law, we will discuss the many facets of this topic and at the same time prepare for an upcoming Local conference of the German Association of Labour Courts in Halle (21.11.2024) in which we will both make a contribution.
Professor Nebe begins by giving an insight into her work, which deals with psychosocial conflicts in the workplace, both in teaching and in research. She emphasises how important it is not only to look at these issues from a legal perspective, but also to consider the practical effects on those affected. We discuss how unresolved social conflicts can lead to serious health problems, often resulting in long-term illnesses or early retirement.
In the context of the upcoming conference, which will explicitly address the issue of bullying, we will discuss the need to tackle current problems in the world of work directly. Of particular concern is the finding that in Germany, compared to other countries, protection against psychosocial hazards in the workplace is often still inadequate. We shed light on critical points concerning the causes of bullying in the working environment and look at how a lack of legal regulations or inadequate measures can favour this.
Another important aspect that we address is the handling of complaints about bullying. Bullying is often only recognised as such after the event, which considerably limits the legal options available to those affected. The role of the courts in such processes is also addressed, as are the difficulties for those affected in obtaining clear legal protection. This dynamic means that allegations of bullying are often not taken seriously until the situation has escalated significantly.
We also talk about this during our conversation, the importance of comprehensive documentation and data collection on the topic of psychosocial stress is. Professor Nebe points out that we are lagging behind in international comparison and that concrete recommendations for action are urgently needed for companies in order to recognise bullying at an early stage and take countermeasures.
With regard to preventive measures and interventions in the event of bullying, we believe that mediation plays a key role. It can often serve as an effective tool for resolving conflicts and creating a better working environment. It is crucial that the Mediation is not only seen as a preventative measure, but is actively integrated into the company culture in order to avoid bullying from the outset.
Finally, we cordially invite all interested parties to attend the conference on 21 November in Halle/Saale. In this context, various perspectives from science and practice will be presented in order to take a differentiated look at the topic of workplace bullying and develop solutions. It is high time that we take a closer look at this pressing issue and support all those who suffer from the consequences of bullying.
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