In this case an individual had raised a formal grievance alleging bullying and harassment. This resulted in an exit agreement being reached with the alleged bully leaving the organisation. The complainant had been on long term ill health absence throughout a lengthy and difficult process. There was concern regarding how the complainant could be reintegrated back into the team as it was felt that some team members “blamed” him for having raised a complaint causing disruption and difficulty for others and resulting in a talented team member leaving. The complainant also had concerns regarding a lack of support from senior management during this time.
A number of coaching sessions were held to explore what support was needed to enable the employee to return. Sessions were also held to review the situation post a return to work. The coaching included such things as identifying what conversations needed to take place and how to prepare for these. How to reconcile and accept that some in the team may hold differing views and how to establish influence/restore trust.
The employee was able to successful return and re-establish effective working relationships within the team and with senior management.
