Navigating Harassment in the Workplace: A Guide for HR, ER, and Line Managers
Insights from a webinar hosted by Conflict Dynamics and presented by Jayshree Moodley
In today’s evolving workplace, the challenge of addressing harassment is no longer confined to legal compliance—it demands emotional intelligence, proactive leadership, and a deep understanding of human dynamics. The recent webinar by Conflict Dynamics offers a timely and insightful exploration of this terrain, urging HR and ER practitioners, as well as line managers, to rethink their roles in preventing and responding to harassment.
Beyond Legal Definitions: Understanding Harassment as Harm
Harassment is often framed through legal codes and disciplinary procedures. Yet, as the webinar emphasises, its true impact lies in the emotional and psychological harm it inflicts. Whether subtle or overt, harassment undermines dignity, erodes trust, and fractures workplace cohesion. Recognising this broader lens is essential for cultivating a respectful and inclusive environment.
The Role of HR and ER Practitioners: From Compliance to Compassion
HR and ER professionals are not just gatekeepers of policy—they are stewards of workplace culture. The webinar highlights several key responsibilities:
- Early Intervention: Spotting patterns of behaviour before they escalate.
- Education and Awareness: Equipping staff with tools to recognise and report harassment.
- Support Structures: Ensuring victims feel heard, protected, and empowered.
This shift from reactive to proactive engagement requires courage and clarity, especially when navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.
Line Managers: The Frontline of Prevention
Line managers often witness the earliest signs of harassment. Their proximity to teams makes them uniquely positioned to intervene—but only if they are trained and supported. The webinar underscores:
- The importance of modelling respectful behaviour
- Creating psychologically safe spaces for feedback
- Knowing when and how to escalate concerns
Managers must balance performance oversight with emotional sensitivity, a skillset that is often underdeveloped in traditional leadership training.
South Africa’s Code of Good Practice: A Framework for Action
The webinar draws attention to the South African Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment. This document offers a robust framework for organisations to:
- Define harassment in all its forms
- Establish clear reporting mechanisms
- Promote restorative approaches alongside disciplinary ones
It is a call to embed ethical practice into the DNA of workplace governance.
A Human-Centred Approach
Ultimately, the webinar advocates for a human-centred approach—one that prioritises dignity, empathy, and accountability. Harassment is not just a legal issue; it’s a relational rupture. Repairing it requires more than policies—it demands presence, listening, and leadership.
To watch the webinar, click HERE