As a result of a number of informal complaints regarding the behaviour of a group of staff, WorkMatters was engaged to conduct an assessment to:

• Obtain information about the workplace;
• Identify the sources and causes of the concerns;
• Assess whether any health and welfare risks exist;
• Collate and report on the findings of the Assessment;

Findings of the Assessment identified a range of inappropriate behaviours and a culture of gossip and blame.  Whilst a minority of staff had participated in the inappropriate behaviours, a majority of staff were affected and identified that they wanted to distance themselves from what was occurring.  WorkMatters interventions included:

• Reporting back individually to those staff identified behaving in an inappropriate manner
• Reporting back general findings to the group

Management met with staff both individually and as a group to outline their expectations and have commenced dealing with inappropriate behaviours as they surface which has led to a general mprovement in the behaviour of staff.  Anecdotal information also suggests that the majority of staff felt they were unable to voice their concerns are now feeling empowered to do so.