Pink Shirt Day in the Workplace

On Friday, 20 May, Aotearoa took part in celebrating the globally recognised Pink Shirt Day, which works to create schools, workplaces, communities and whānau where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. 

Every year, People Passion rally behind this important cause to be part of the movement. We wear our Pink Shirts, make donations, and raise awareness through encouraging our clients to celebrate this in their workplace, in an effort to stamp out bullying.

As an HR Business, we are all too familiar with workplace bullying, and the detrimental effects this has on mental wellbeing, productivity, absenteeism, and the overall workplace culture. Bullying isn’t always obvious, and it comes in different forms, including psychological manipulation, racial harassment, sexual harassment, through spreading rumours, physical or verbal bullying or by someone hiding behind their keyboard.

Therefore, keeping an eye out for a ‘school yard bully’ simply just isn’t enough. As Leaders we need to be championing bullying in the workplace, be alert to the behaviour you observe around you including language, tone, body language; and set clear expectations of workplace behaviour through leading by example, keeping the conversation going, seeking feedback from your people, having Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policies in place confirming that any form of bullying or harassment in the workplace is not welcome, ignored or tolerated.

We are excited to continue to get behind this movement in our everyday interactions, and by continuing to celebrate Pink Shirt Day with our team and clients. Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!

Get in touch with the People Passion team if you need support with a culture reset, leadership training, or getting a policy rolled out to your team.