Selco Builders Warehouse has started providing training for its workforce as part of the “Better Banter” programme.
The initiative has been provided as part of a joint partnership between Halborns Law and the Builders Merchant Federation.
Selco said 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 avenues 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 be completed in 2025.
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.”
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.