Workplace Bullying & Harassment in Remote Environments: What Employers in BC Need to Know

The modern workplace is no longer confined to office walls. It includes emails, chat platforms, video meetings and shared digital spaces. For employers in British Columbia, this expanded definition carries important responsibilities related to compliance and employee well-being.

WorkSafeBC’s guidelines make it clear that employers are responsible for preventing and addressing workplace bullying and harassment, whether their teams are working remotely, in the office or in a hybrid setup.

Our new video breaks down what this means in practical terms and offers clear guidance on how to protect your organization and support your employees.

Why This Matters

WorkSafeBC requires employers to:

• Prevent bullying and harassment in the workplace

• Respond to all complaints in a timely and thorough manner

• Ensure that investigation processes are fair and clearly communicated

Remote work introduces unique challenges. It can create communication gaps, delays in reporting and misunderstandings that make it harder to recognize and address inappropriate behaviour.

Digital interactions like Zoom calls, emails and team messages are considered part of the workplace and should be included in your organizational policies.

Steps Employers Should Take

To meet compliance requirements and foster a respectful work culture, employers should:

1. Review and update your policies

   Ensure your workplace policies address digital interactions and remote environments.

2. Train employees and managers

   Provide clear education on what constitutes bullying or harassment and how to report concerns.

3. Offer accessible reporting options

   Make sure your reporting channels are available and confidential for all staff, including remote workers.

4. Establish a consistent investigation process

   Create an approach that works in both physical and virtual environments and ensures fairness for all parties involved.

How We Can Help

The Orion Group supports employers across Canada in building inclusive and compliant workplaces.

We offer:

• Custom policy templates

• Interactive training for managers and staff

• Guidance on designing reporting systems that are easy to use and accessible to all

Contact us today to get started!