A Place of Business
The workplace is a business environment. People go to work to fulfill their contract of employment, seeking intellectual satisfaction and a livelihood. All potential employers should be transparent about their expectations, and these expectations should always revolve around the business.
A Duty of Care
Employers and senior management have a legal duty of care to their employees. This includes ensuring everyone in the workplace is treated with respect and dignity. This is not a one-way street; all individuals in the workplace should extend this same respect to one another.
Legal and Ethical Conduct
Employers have a duty to keep personal information about employees secure, accurate, and up-to-date, and this information should never be shared without permission. Sharing inaccurate and inflammatory information about a person could constitute defamation and cause them harm.
Similarly, matters of impropriety must be resolved as soon as possible. The responsibility for addressing these issues rests with the employer, not the employee who is the victim.
In the UK, a person's sexual orientation is an immutable characteristic protected by the Equality Act 2010. It is a serious misrepresentation to state that a person 'hates' a specific sex based solely on the fact that they are not attracted to that sex.
The Right to Autonomy
An employee is not obligated to stay in a position. Accepting a job does not mean they cannot leave to find employment elsewhere. It is not an employee's responsibility to fix a toxic workplace in order to justify their staying.
In the UK, every individual has the right to freedom of speech and expression, including the right to discuss their personal and professional experiences. An employer does not have the right to prevent an ex-employee from expressing themselves, particularly when the subject involves negative workplace experiences. This process is essential for personal healing and growth.
Finally, if you are unsure about anything relating to the workplace, always check and follow the law.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with a legal professional for advice regarding your specific situation.