Work Trauma Foundation

The foundation's vision is to have the right to dignity and respect in the workplace entrenched in the South African labour laws and to see such protection applied with commitment. Its key strategies for sustaining this vision include research, networking, advocacy, training, awareness-raising, and the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for education and counselling purposes. Specifically, the foundation undertakes:

Research - the foundation studies factors impacting on and resulting in work trauma within the borders of South Africa, with special reference and attention to the issues of developing countries. It also researches factors impacting on and resulting in work trauma, psychosocial problems in the workplace and workplace violence globally. Several of the papers that have emerged from this research are detailed on the Work Trauma website.

Networking - the foundation networks with international counterparts and stakeholders on factors impacting on and/or resulting in work trauma as a result of workplace violence and interrelated psychosocial problems in the workplace. By collaborating with these unions, government, departments, employers and victims, the foundation seeks to address, and advocate for attention to, all issues such as suitable legislation. The foundation is also in the process of working to build an international network of individuals, organisations and groups dedicated to dignity and respect in the workplace.

Advocacy - the foundation supports the South African government and organised labour in their efforts to take action to create decent workplaces, free from abuse and unfairness. To that end, it promotes policies that enhance the concept of dignity and respect in the workplace in South Africa and internationally. It advocates for programmes like the International Labour Organisation's initiatives, showing that support in part by incorporating these approaches in workshops.

Training - the foundation offers various workplace violence professional/peer counselling and support group leader workshops for stakeholders such as unions, employers, victims, professionals and therapists, victims and perpetrators. These sessions, which are of varying lengths and tailored to the specific workplace/organisation/individual requesting an intervention, focus on such issues as violence/abuse/bullying, psychosocial problems in the workplace, and managing workplace stress.

Awareness-raising - the foundation seeks to educate the public about the issues of acceptable workplace communication and behaviour, dignity and respect - as opposed to bullying and violence (physical and emotional) - by utilising the following means: publicity; conferences; internet presence; publications; workshops; presentations; and networking.

ICTs - the foundation's website is one tool used to inform and educate employers and the public (including victims of work trauma) about developments and research. It is described as "a resource, educational and self-help site for managers, academics and victims". Articles about women and bullying, harassment and safety, as well as about workplace violence in the health care sector, are available for download/access here. In addition, a free telephone hotline is offered for advisory/counselling purposes.

Rights.