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A Bullying and Harassment Policy sets clear rules to protect employees from unwanted behavior at work, in line with Belgian labor law and the Well-being at Work Act. It explains what counts as bullying (like hostile comments or social isolation) and harassment (including unwanted sexual attention or discrimination), and spells out how the company will handle complaints.

The policy outlines specific steps employees can take when they experience or witness inappropriate conduct, including how to contact prevention advisors and trusted persons. It also describes the investigation process, protection measures for victims, and consequences for offenders. Belgian employers must have this policy as part of their workplace prevention plan and display it where employees can easily find it.

Put your Bullying and Harassment Policy into action immediately when an employee reports unwanted behavior, from inappropriate comments to physical intimidation. This policy guides your response to protect both the affected staff member and your organization's legal interests under Belgian workplace safety regulations. Use it to document incidents, outline investigation steps, and communicate with all parties involved.

The policy becomes especially crucial during workplace conflicts, when establishing new teams, or after organizational changes that might create tension. It helps prevention advisors handle complaints properly, supports managers in maintaining a respectful work environment, and gives HR clear guidelines for disciplinary actions. Having it ready before issues arise helps avoid costly legal complications and reputation damage.

• Basic Policy: Covers essential requirements under Belgian law, including definitions of bullying and harassment, reporting procedures, and standard protective measures. Suitable for small businesses and startups.
• Comprehensive Workplace Policy: Includes detailed prevention strategies, multiple reporting channels, and extensive examples of prohibited behaviors. Ideal for large organizations.
• Industry-Specific Policy: Adapts protections for unique workplace environments like healthcare, construction, or education sectors, addressing field-specific risks.
• Multilingual Policy: Features text in Dutch, French, and English to serve Belgium's diverse workforce, ensuring clear communication across language barriers.
• Digital Workplace Policy: Specifically addresses cyber-bullying, online harassment, and remote work situations, including virtual meeting conduct and digital communication guidelines.

• HR Directors and Legal Teams: Draft and update the Bullying and Harassment Policy to align with Belgian labor laws and company culture.
• Prevention Advisors: Handle complaints, conduct investigations, and ensure policy compliance under the Well-being at Work Act.
• Line Managers: Implement policy guidelines, address initial complaints, and maintain respectful team environments.
• Employees: Must understand and follow policy guidelines, report incidents, and participate in prevention training.
• Works Councils: Review and provide input on policy updates, representing worker interests in policy development.
• External Consultants: Assist with policy development, training programs, and independent investigations when needed.

• Company Assessment: Review your organization's size, industry risks, and past incidents to tailor policy scope.
• Legal Requirements: Check current Belgian workplace safety regulations and Well-being at Work Act provisions.
• Internal Structure: Map out reporting channels, identify prevention advisors, and establish investigation procedures.
• Communication Plan: Prepare policy distribution strategy and training materials in all required languages.
• Documentation System: Set up secure methods for recording complaints and tracking investigations.
• Stakeholder Input: Gather feedback from works council, union representatives, and department heads.
• Review Process: Plan regular policy updates and effectiveness evaluations.

• Definitions Section: Clear explanations of bullying, harassment, and unacceptable behaviors under Belgian law.
• Prevention Measures: Specific steps to prevent workplace harassment and maintain psychological well-being.
• Reporting Procedures: Detailed process for filing complaints, including confidentiality guarantees.
• Protected Categories: List of characteristics protected from discrimination under Belgian equality laws.
• Investigation Protocol: Steps for handling complaints, including timelines and documentation requirements.
• Prevention Advisor Role: Duties and contact information for internal and external prevention advisors.
• Disciplinary Actions: Clear consequences for policy violations, aligned with labor regulations.
• Implementation Details: Training requirements, review schedule, and policy accessibility guidelines.

A Bullying and Harassment Policy differs significantly from a Sexual Harassment Policy in several key ways, though they both protect workplace well-being. While they may seem similar, understanding their distinct roles helps ensure proper workplace protection and legal compliance in Belgium.

• Scope of Coverage: Bullying and Harassment Policy covers a broader range of misconduct, including psychological harassment, workplace intimidation, and discriminatory behavior. Sexual Harassment Policy specifically addresses unwanted sexual advances, gender-based discrimination, and sexual misconduct.
• Legal Framework: Bullying and Harassment Policy aligns with the Well-being at Work Act's comprehensive protections, while Sexual Harassment Policy focuses on gender equality laws and sexual discrimination regulations.
• Prevention Measures: Bullying policy emphasizes general workplace conduct and psychological safety, while sexual harassment guidelines concentrate on gender-specific protections and intimate boundary violations.
• Reporting Mechanisms: Each policy requires distinct reporting channels and investigation procedures, reflecting the different nature of incidents they address.