Bullying or harassment in the workplace, the home in school or indeed in any aspect of one’s life is unacceptable and in today’s society a criminal offence if proven.

As individuals we are all entitled to our dignity, to our self-respect and to our right to come to work feeling that what we do is appreciated, we make a valuable contribution and that we belong.

It is not the right of any person or group of persons to cross this line and to create an atmosphere whereby others feel uncomfortable.

Remember, we were all created equal and if we are honest with ourselves that we are all equally flawed. It would serve each of us well to examine what we say or do before acting. What we think and say openly about others may well be thought and applied to ourselves in other circumstances.

What one person perceives to be fun by teasing may well be an insult to another. Blowing off steam or exercising their authority in an inappropriate manner may be seen by some as harmless and yet by others as harmful.

Please remember our actions have consequences and may damage the well-being of those who are less forceful in our workplace, resulting in stress or even more serious consequences.

Good advice is to always think before you act and ask would i be happy if this was the way mine were treated or if the way I behave toward others serves as a good example to my children.

One person’s idea of fun can be another’s memory of pain. Empathy for others is far more rewarding!