Dignity at Work

The Health Service Executive recognizes that the creation of a work environment
where public health service employees feel valued, recognized and safe, and can
work in an atmosphere of respect and collaboration is central to the delivery of the
highest possible quality health and social care services. The promotion and
maintenance of the dignity of all public health service employees in the HSE and
Section 38 organizations and respect for diversity plays a key role in ensuring this
environment.

The Dignity at Work Policy aims to provide a safe working environment for all
employees in the public health service which recognizes their right to be treated with
dignity and respect and which is free from all forms of bullying, harassment and
sexual harassment. The Policy is a key tool in health sector organizations’
management of their statutory health and safety responsibilities with regard to
preventing and managing risks associated with bullying, harassment and sexual
harassment.

The Policy provides a framework in which complaints of bullying, harassment and
sexual harassment will be taken seriously and will be followed through to resolution,
and in which employees who make a complaint or those who support such
employees, will not be victimized. Where complaints are upheld, appropriate action
will be taken which may include disciplinary action or other appropriate sanctions.
Vexatious or malicious complaints may also lead to disciplinary action or other
appropriate sanctions.

The Policy aims to protect employees from bullying, harassment and sexual
harassment by non employees including patients/service users, suppliers,
contractors, visitors or any other person with whom employees come into contact
during the course of their work. Bullying, harassment or sexual harassment by non
employees may result in the termination/non renewal of business contracts, the
suspension/non renewal of services, exclusion from the premises or the imposition of
other appropriate sanctions.

The full HSE Dignity at Work Policy is available here.