Every employee in Ireland has the right to work in an environment free from bullying and harassment. That might sound straightforward enough, but the reality is that many organisations still struggle to create and maintain that kind of workplace culture. And with remote and hybrid working now firmly part of the landscape, the risk of inappropriate behaviour has extended well beyond the office walls.
This is where proper training comes in. Online bullying and harassment training gives every member of your team the knowledge they need to understand what constitutes unacceptable behaviour, what their rights and responsibilities are and how to respond if they experience or witness it.
In this article, we will look at why this training matters, what Irish law expects from employers and how an online course can help you meet those obligations efficiently and effectively.
Why bullying and harassment training matters
Workplace bullying and harassment can have a devastating impact on individuals and organisations alike. For the person on the receiving end, it can lead to stress, anxiety, loss of confidence and even long-term mental health difficulties. For the organisation, the consequences include reduced morale, higher staff turnover, increased absenteeism and potential legal action.
The challenge is that many people are unsure where the line falls between robust management, workplace banter and actual bullying. Others may not realise that their behaviour is having a negative effect on a colleague. Training helps to remove that ambiguity by clearly defining what is and is not acceptable. It gives everyone a shared understanding of how to treat each other with dignity and respect
What does Irish law say?
In Ireland, employers have a clear legal duty to prevent bullying and harassment in the workplace. Several pieces of legislation are relevant here, including the Employment Equality Acts 1998–2015 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
Under these laws, employers are expected to have an anti-bullying policy in place, to make that policy known to all employees and to act promptly when a complaint is raised. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has also produced a Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work, which outlines the procedures employers should follow.
It is important to understand the distinction between bullying and harassment in Irish law. Harassment is defined as unwanted conduct related to one of the nine grounds of discrimination covered by employment equality legislation (such as gender, race, disability or sexual orientation). Bullying, on the other hand, is not linked to any specific protected characteristic. It is defined as repeated inappropriate behaviour that could reasonably be regarded as undermining a person’s dignity at work.
Regardless of whether behaviour falls under the heading of bullying or harassment, the message is the same. Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent it and have proper systems in place to deal with complaints.
The role of online training
One of the most practical steps an employer can take is to provide bullying and harassment training for all staff. Online training is particularly well suited. It allows you to train your entire organisation quickly and consistently, regardless of where your people are based.
Online training also has some practical advantages that make it easier to manage:
- Employees can complete the course at their own pace, fitting it around their workload.
- Everyone receives the same content, ensuring a consistent message across the organisation.
- Completion records are tracked automatically, making it simple to demonstrate compliance.
- The course can be revisited as a refresher at any time.
For organisations that need to show they have taken reasonable steps to prevent workplace bullying and harassment, having a record that all staff have completed accredited training is a strong piece of evidence.
Our Bullying and Harassment Training for All course
The Learning Rooms have developed a Bullying and Harassment Training for All online course to give every employee a clear understanding of bullying and harassment in the workplace.
The course takes approximately 60 minutes to complete and covers the following topics:
- The importance of respecting people at work
- The differences between bullying, harassment and sexual harassment
- Behaviours that are not considered bullying
- The responsibilities of employees, managers, support contact persons and employers
- How to respond to inappropriate behaviour
- The formal complaint process
The course is self-paced, interactive and delivered through a mix of video, animation and narration. It is worth 1 CPD point and participants receive a digital Certificate of Completion upon passing the assessment.
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for all staff in any organisation that wants to ensure its workplace is free from bullying, harassment and sexual harassment. Whether you are rolling it out to a team of 10 or an organisation of 1,000, the course provides a consistent baseline of knowledge for everyone.
It is available for individuals at €20 per person, with group discounts available for 25 or more learners. Organisations can their own branding, tailor the content to their specific policies and deliver on their existing LMS.
What will your team learn?
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand that all employees have the right to be treated with dignity and respect
- Clearly state the difference between bullying, harassment and sexual harassment
- Describe the responsibilities of employees, managers and employers
- Identify the best way to respond to inappropriate behaviour
- Explain how to submit a formal complaint
- Locate additional information relating to dignity at work
Beyond compliance: building a positive workplace culture
While meeting your legal obligations is important, training like this does more than simply tick a compliance box. When every member of your team understands what acceptable behaviour looks like and feels confident that they know how to raise concerns, you are actively building a healthier, more respectful workplace.
Organisations that invest in training tend to see real benefits. The have better working relationships, improved staff retention and a stronger sense of trust across the team. It sends a clear signal that your organisation takes dignity at work seriously.
If you are looking to provide your team with quality bullying and harassment training, our Bullying and Harassment Training for All course is a practical, cost-effective solution. Individuals can enrol straight away, or you can get in touch with our team to discuss group licensing, branding and customisation options.
