New training available: tackling bullying and harassment at work

In hospitality, people are our business. From the kitchen to the front of the house, every interaction relies on respect, collaboration and trust. But when bullying, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour occurs, it breaks that trust. These behaviours can damage team morale, cause emotional distress, and undermine the vibrant, inclusive culture we all want to create.

Research shows that 90% of hospitality workers have experienced bullying or harassment, and one in three women have faced sexual harassment at work. Worryingly, around 60% of these incidents go unreported - often because people fear retaliation or believe nothing will change.

At Hospitality Action, we know how challenging our fast-paced, high-pressure industry can be. Hospitality is built on tight-knit teams working long, unsociable hours. That can foster camaraderie, but it can also make it harder to speak up when something isn’t right.

That’s why we’re proud to partner with leading training provider Elevo to launch a new suite of training courses for employees, managers and senior leaders designed specifically for the hospitality sector and exclusively available to EAP customers. These workshops not only help identify bullying and harassment in the workplace but also equip teams with the skills and confidence to tackle it head-on.

Hospitality Action X Elevo Logo Black

May 22, 2025 | Author Jeremy Gibson

Why this training matters

While policies and procedures play a role, true change comes from everyday conversations, shared values and consistent behaviour. Our new training sessions help hospitality staff at every level:

  • Recognise the signs of bullying and harassment.
  • Understand how these behaviours impact individuals, teams and businesses.
  • Build safer, more respectful ways of working together.
  • Respond to concerns with empathy and accountability.

We also focus on supporting managers to take early action, whether managing a complaint or simply creating space for open and honest conversation. When leaders lead with clarity and compassion, teams are more likely to thrive.

The courses

All Employee Bullying & Harassment Workshop

This workshop creates a shared understanding of what unacceptable behaviour looks like, builds awareness and empathy and promotes accountability.

Managers Bullying and Harassment Workshop

Managers learn how to spot early warning signs, manage complaints and understand their legal duty of care.

All Employee Sexual Harassment Workshop

This session explores the role of power dynamics and provides practical tips to challenge inappropriate comments or actions.

Managers Sexual Harassment Training

This course equips managers with the tools to spot early warning signs, understand investigation protocols and encourage a reporting culture.

SLT Sexual Harassment Training

Designed for executives and directors, this session links values with governance, outlining leadership’s critical role in driving cultural change and embedding accountability from the top down.

Ready to take the next step?

These workshops are now available to all operators with a reduced rate to hospitality businesses who have a Hospitality Action EAP membership. They’re practical, engaging and tailored to real-world hospitality scenarios. To find out more or enrol on a course, email eap@hospitalityaction.org.uk

In partnership with Elevo.

This training brings together the sector insight of Hospitality Action and the behavioural expertise of Elevo. 

Hospitality Action understands the unique pressures of hospitality - fast-paced shifts, emotional labour, and tight-knit teams. Elevo specialises in creating inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces, with training rooted in real-world scenarios and led by wellbeing and DEI experts. 

Together, we offer: 

  • A clear understanding of hospitality-specific challenges. 

  • Expert-led, practical training that’s easy to apply. 

  • Proven strategies to create safer, more respectful workplace. 

This partnership offer is here to support the hospitality industry, by people who know it inside out.