Selco Builders Warehouse has introduced a corporate culture training programme to ensure well-meaning fun remains in the workplace – while ensuring a respectful environment.
Selco has started providing training for its near 3,000-strong workforce as part of the “Better Banter” programme. The initiative is part of a joint partnership between Halborns Law and the Builders Merchant Federation.
The content for the course includes debating the difference between banter and harassment, dealing with external forces, such as social media, the rise in claims, and the avenues available for dealing with unacceptable behaviour.
Around 1,000 of Selco’s employees are set to undergo the training before the end of this year, with the remainder to due to take part in 2025.
Employment lawyers from Halborns Law have devised the content for the programme, outlining the legal framework and tests for behaviour being classed as harassment.
Members of Selco’s in-house training team have received coaching from the lawyers to be able to deliver the programme internally.
The Worker Protection Act (amendment of Equality Act 2010) will come into force in October 2024. It will create a new duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, changing the emphasis from redress to prevention.
Sally Kerr, HR Director for Selco Builders Warehouse, said: “We have strong, consistent policies and are making good strides in culture, diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, and this training will ensure that we continue to make Selco a place where everyone belongs.
“This isn’t a case of ending banter – far from it. We want our people interacting with colleagues and customers and enjoying being at their place of work.
“We are proud to employ a multi-generational workforce, and I’m certain this course will help us all understand each other a little better as language and communication has evolved.
“We want to set the right tone for workplace communications between colleagues and ensure people have the right tools to deal swiftly with inappropriate banter if it occurs.”
