At the heart of all the situations that were brought to my attention by 151 visitors  in 2022 was an infringement of the Code of Conduct.

What to do about excluders who, despite corporate interventions, continue to treat people differently based on their perceived visible or invisible trait(s) or social grouping, in particular women? 

The respect that others show us, like esteem, is part of our dignity, so it’s no wonder that we’re so taken aback and upset when it’s missing.

As this brand new year starts, I would like to offer my best wishes, from the Ombud’s Office, for a healthy, happy and successful 2022! 

Some visitors to the Ombud’s office tell me that they are “too insignificant” or “too low” in the chain of command for their opinion to really matter. 

Some visitors to the Ombud’s office tell me that they are “too insignificant” or “too low” in the chain of command for their opinion to really matter.  We would all like to believe that they are isolated cases, because it’s painful to hear. No one is insignificant – everyone matters! 

It is a truth universally acknowledged that respectful behaviour has beneficial effects within organisations; in practice, however, it’s sometimes difficult to make it the norm.