Harassment-Free Workplace Program

All employees are entitled to perform their duties in a harassment-free work environment. The Public Service Commission is responsible for the Harassment-Free Workplace Program, including promoting awareness, prevention, and the appropriate and timely resolution of allegations of harassment for public service employees.

What is Harassment?

Harassment is any objectionable or offensive behavior that is known, or should reasonably be known, to be unwelcome. Harassment may be intended or unintended.

Harassment will normally involve a series of incidents; however, a single incident may be harassment if it would be considered severe or extreme to a reasonable person.

Some Possible Examples of Harassment Include:

  • Verbal abuse, yelling, or threats;
  • Degrading or offensive remarks;
  • Spreading malicious gossip or rumours;
  • Inappropriate communication through email, social media, or texts;
  • Actual or threatened physical contact of an unwelcomed nature; or,
  • Bullying or intimidation.

Abuse of authority, discriminatory harassment, and sexual harassment are also all forms of harassment.

For more information, please see the Harassment-Free Workplace Policy or complete the mandatory Fostering a Harassment-Free Workplace eLearning module on PS Access.  Managers can also register for Fostering a Harassment-Free Workplace: A Manager’s Role.

I Think I’m Being Harassed, What Can I Do?

If you feel you are being harassed in the workplace, you have a number of avenues available to you to handle the situation. You can:

  • Talk to the individual and tell them that their behaviour makes you uncomfortable and you want it to stop;
  • Talk to your manager about the situation and ask them to intervene;
  • Contact the Harassment-Free Workplace Manager to discuss your concerns and the options available to you; or,
  • Contact the Employee Assistance and Respectful Workplace Program for support and coaching.

How Do I File a Harassment Complaint?

To submit a harassment complaint, you can complete the online complaint form or contact the Harassment-Free Workplace Manager. All complaints must be submitted in writing; anonymous complaints will not be accepted.

I Witnessed Harassment in my Workplace, What Do I Do?

Individuals who witness behaviour that may be considered harassment have a responsibility to take appropriate action and report the behaviour to someone in authority.

If You See Disrespectful Behaviour Occurring, You May Want To:

  • Interrupt the situation – “Please stop it.” “Wait a moment.”
  • Say how you feel – “I don’t like what you’re saying/doing.” “That feels disrespectful to me.”
  • Support the individual – “Are you okay?” “You are not alone. How can I help?”

You should also talk to your manager about the incident or contact the Harassment-Free Workplace Manager to submit a bystander complaint.

Harassment in the workplace cannot be tolerated. Everyone in the public service has the right to be safe and valued at work.

Support and Resources

Harassment Free Workplace Poster for your Workplace

Harassment-Free Workplace Policy

Harassment-Free Workplace Program Procedures

Harassment-Free Workplace Manager: 709-729-5828 (Local) or HFWManager@gov.nl.ca

Employee Assistance and Respectful Workplace Division: 1-888-729-2290 (Toll Free) or 729-2290 (Local)