About the Workplace Dignity Institute

Mission
The Workplace Dignity Institute is committed to reduce or minimise physical and/or emotional workplace violence and interrelated people problems in the workplace resulting in work trauma, by establishing a culture of dignity and respect in the workplace in South Africa and internationally.

Vision
It is Workplace Dignity Institute's vision to have the right to dignity and respect in the workplace entrenched in the labour laws of South Africa specifically all countries in general and to see such protection applied with vigour, diligence and commitment.

 

Objectives

         (a) The Institute's main objectives are:

1.      To promote and facilitate the Management of Dignity in the Workplace with all role-players

2.      To promote the responsibilities of the Right to Dignity at Work with all role-players.

3.      To ensure that supportive services and structures are available for the Victims to exercise their Right to Dignity at Work or to receive treatment to recover from an incident of infringement of (1) and (2) above.
 

(b) The Institute's secondary objectives are:

1.                  It is expected that the development of a culture of dignity and respect in the workplace would spill over to the community with the following benefits:

1.1              Reduce violence in the community;

1.2              Greater awareness and protection of the rights of society's more vulnerable members namely women and children;

1.3              Sensitivity about work-life integration and awareness for the dignity of the family;

1.4              The improvement of interpersonal relationships within the family and broader society;

1.5              Less stress when people go home and therefore more balanced and happy families.

2.                  Healthy and safe work environment

3.                  To promote good corporate governance and more transparency.

4.        To promote the principles of human rights and democracy in the workplace.

 

Membership

1. Membership:  There are two types of membership:

 1.1  Voting Members

1.1.1 Founding Members

Persons (who may elect to represent businesses, public or private enterprises) who  accepted an invitation by the Founder (Dr S M Steinman), to be a member serving on the Board of the Institute with a right to vote, pay an annual fee and fully subscribe to the rules governing voting membership. Founding Members are permanent members of the Board.

1.1.2 Dignitas Associates
Voting members (individuals or representatives of public/private enterprises) who endorse the Institute's vision, mission principles and goals to establish dignity in the workplace. They  elect to become a voting members and exercise the vote at the Annual General Meeting. Dignitas Associates pay an annual membership fee.

It makes good sense for the Dignitas Associates to be South Africans to enable them to attend the meetings and therefore payment will be in the South African rand currency. There are three types of Dignitas Associates:

• (a) MICRO - Individual & Representative of NPO's or Small Business  with an annual turnover of less than R5 million (micro-enterprises). The membership fee is paid by the individual or the enterprise employing the individual pays his/her membership fee. 
   

• (b) SME - Representative from Organisations/ Businesses (Public and Private Enterprises) with an annual turnover of more than R5 million to R35 million (small and medium enterprises). The enterprise employing the individual pays his/her membership fee,
   

• (c) LARGE - Representative from Organisations/ Businesses (Public and Private Enterprises) with an annual turnover of MORE than R35 million (large enterprises). The enterprise employing the individual pays his/her membership fee.

Only one individual may represent an enterprise, business or organisation irrespective of its size. At least three, but at all times at least 10% of Dignitas Associates will be elected to the Board to present this category of membership.

 

1.2 Non-voting Members

1.2.1 Members of the The Dignity Network

You can become a non-voting member (as of the Workplace Dignity Institute anywhere in the world by belonging toThe Dignity Network, a network of individuals or organisations, supporting the vision, mission and goals of the Workplace Dignity Institute.

Members of The Dignity Network can not vote at the Annual General Meeting or have become an office bearer, but you will receive all other benefits voting members have and will also be listed as a service provider.

A different membership fee is applicable for individuals representing self/NGO's/ small businesses, and individuals representing medium/large enterprises.

• (a) Small: Individuals or NGOs or small business paying the membership for the individual - Annual membership fee.
   
• (b) Medium/large: Individuals employed by medium and large enterprises and the membership being paid by these enterprises. Annual membership fee.

 

Click here to learn more about membership fees and benefits at the Workplace Dignity Institute

or

Donate money for special projects.

Board Members: 
Dr Susan Steinman (Founder/Chair),
Prof Andy Beke, Prof Anton Senekal, Ms Mathapelo Foster, Ms Premie Govender.

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The Workplace Dignity Institute is affiliated to
 Civicus Alliance
Global Health Council
 
 Dr Susan Steinman is affiliated to
 EAPA - Employee Assistance Professionals Association South Africa
Institute of People Management(IPM)

 

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