University College of the North

Challenge

University College of the North aimed to enhance its Respectful Workplace program to address issues of harassment and bullying, and to foster a culture of respect among leadership teams, students, staff, and contractors. To achieve this goal, they partnered with Interpersonal Wellness Services Inc. (IWS) to transform their existing anti-harassment program into a comprehensive and robust Respectful Workplace program.

Method

  1. Program Revamp: IWS revamped the college’s anti-harassment program into a Respectful Workplace program, ensuring it was comprehensive and addressed all stakeholders, including leadership teams, students, staff, and contractors.
  2. Policy Development: Collaborated with the college’s human resources department to develop and update policies that support a respectful workplace.
  3. Staff Onboarding: Assisted with staff onboarding processes to integrate the principles of a respectful workplace from the outset.
  4. Training and Coaching: Designed and delivered a comprehensive respectful workplace training and coaching program. This program aimed to promote psychological safety on campus, ensuring all participants understood respectful workplace practices and the importance of psychological safety.

Impact

  • Robust Program Implementation: The revamped Respectful Workplace program was well communicated and effectively implemented across the college, setting a clear standard for behavior and interactions.
  • Increased Awareness: Comprehensive training improved the awareness and understanding of respectful workplace practices among staff and students, fostering a more respectful and inclusive campus environment.

Results

  • Structured Process: The new program provided a well developed structure and clear processes for addressing and resolving complaints of harassment and bullying.
  • Enhanced Understanding: Staff, students, and contractors gained a better understanding of respectful workplace practices, the complaints process, and resolution strategies.
  • Improved Campus Environment: The program’s implementation led to a more respectful and psychologically safe campus environment, positively impacting the college community.

This case study demonstrates the successful collaboration between University College of the North and Interpersonal Wellness Services Inc. in creating a Respectful Workplace program that effectively addresses issues of harassment and bullying, while promoting a culture of respect and psychological safety.