Sometimes the culture of an organization suits you. Then the norms, values and standards of behavior feel so familiar and recognizable that you feel at home. In such a case, a certain culture on the work floor has a positive effect. But lately it has also become increasingly apparent that not every work culture is pleasant. In some you can even feel unsafe. Does that also apply to you? Then these 4 tips might help you.
When is a corporate culture unsafe?
Before you start working somewhere, it is difficult to assess whether the culture suits you. You often only find out later. It may turn out that the fun, spontaneous company you thought you were working for is very different. For example, that there is a culture of fear, annoying jokes are made or even transgressive behavior is displayed. This can make you feel unsafe in the workplace. This leads to a difficult situation in which you cannot go to work with pleasure and confidence. According to the Working Conditions Act, your employer is obliged to protect you against psychosocial workload. This means that he must draw up and actually implement a policy to offer you a safe working environment. Your employer must also take any complaint seriously and try to do something about it.
What can you do with an unsafe company culture?
- Keep track of what's going on and talk to someone
Write down for yourself what is happening at what time. And put your experiences in an overview for yourself. You can talk about the situation with the person who makes you feel unsafe. You can also discuss this with your manager, HR, someone from the works council or a colleague you trust. But often this is a big and difficult step. That is why you can also contact an internal or external confidential adviser at many companies, for example with a report or complaint about inappropriate behaviour. He can take good care of you and look together with you at what your options are and which way you can best take. A counselor can also refer you to agencies that provide assistance, such as a mediator. A confidential advisor also gives tips on how to start the conversation with your employer.
- Engage the company doctor
If you really feel ill because of what is happening within the company, you can also go to the company doctor. This assesses your medical situation, but can also advise you and your employer about what it takes to return to work in a healthy and pleasant way. Before you really have to report sick, you can also call on the company doctor as a preventive measure.
- File a complaint
Large companies often have a complaints procedure. Use this to submit a complaint to a special committee, which will check with you whether your complaint is justified and how your employer should resolve it.
- Report this to the Dutch Labor Inspectorate
Does your employer not resolve the complaint? Then you can also report your complaint to the Dutch Labor Inspectorate. The Labor Inspectorate checks whether employers comply with the law.
Call or email De Unie
Do you feel unsafe at work? Please feel free to contact us, even if you are not a member. Together we will take a detailed look at your situation and we will investigate what is the best next step for you: from a meeting with your employer to looking for another job – which of course we also help you with. Our Service Center is available every working day from 8.30 am to 17.00 pm via sc@unie.nl en (0345) 851 963.
