The fire/rescue service is an industry in the forefront of recognizing challenges with workplace bullying and choosing to do something about it to fix the situation. Unfortunately, workplace bullying is a behavior that has permeated workplaces in all industries throughout society for decades - healthcare, sales, education, construction, law enforcement, government, and more. As the social climate continues to change, organizations are choosing to address issues like harassment, sexual harassment, diversity, equity, and inclusion, mental health, generational differences, and now: workplace bullying.
Dr. Ricks has had the pleasure of volunteering with Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department (OWL VFD) in Woodbridge, VA for 10 years. As an extension to her administrative duties within the Department, she also sits on the workplace bullying prevention taskforce for the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) which is in the Safety, Health, and Survival section. The taskforce has been working on building and implementing a workplace bullying class to teach chiefs and executive officers about the seriousness of workplace bullying as well as a train-the-trainer (TTT) class so that chief officers can return to their respective departments around the world and teach about workplace bullying with guidance from the IAFC.
The workplace bullying class and TTT debuted at the IAFC Fire-Rescue International conference in Charlotte, NC this past week. The class was filled to capacity with chiefs, fire marshals, executive officers, and more from around the country. The eagerness to improve the workplace in fire, rescue, and beyond is exciting. Fire and rescue make up one industry of many. Who is next to make the commitment to improve their workplace? Contact SBR Workplace Leadership Services to learn more...
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