Ben shines spotlight on workplace bullying
Published: 12 November, 2018
Ben has launched new web resources to help people cope with bullying in the workplace, just in time for National Anti-Bullying Week, which is taking place this week (12-16 November).
Ben is focusing on raising awareness about bullying in the workplace as well as giving people the tools to tackle it. Findings from Ben’s first industry survey in 2017 indicated that bullying was rated the third most important issue of all health and wellbeing topics. Bullying was also rated the most important issue related to ‘social health and wellbeing’, with 42% of individuals ranking it at the top – ‘very important’ – followed by bereavement (40%) and confidence (34%).
Bullying was rated very important for 53% of 16–34-year olds, followed by 39% of 35–54-year olds and 32% of over 55s. Bullying was also deemed as a ‘very important’ issue for 45% of the aftermarket.
In light of these results, Ben has launched new resources on its website to help people cope with this difficult issue. On Ben’s new dedicated web page, people can find out more about what bullying is and how to deal with it, as well as information about managing relationships in the workplace:
To access this information visit: https://ben.org.uk/our-services/support-services/top-searches/bullying/
TUC research states that, looking at the effects of workplace bullying, 46% of people say that it has an adverse impact on their performance at work, and the same proportion believe it has a negative effect on their mental health.28% say it has a detrimental effect on them physically, and 22% have to take time off work as a result of being bullied.
Rachel Clift, Health and Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “Bullying isn’t just something that happens to children, it can be something we, as grown adults, have to deal with in life both inside and outside of the workplace. We believe that no-one should have to deal with bullying or associated feelings of being vulnerable, embarrassed, isolated or struggling with mental health issues as a consequence. “The good news is that, if you’re being bullied or you have a dependent who is facing this issue, Ben is here for you. You can visit our web page for more information or get in touch with us through our online chat or via our helpline if you feel you need more support.”
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- Would you like to diagnose more vehicles first time?
As we reach March, 2019 is well and truly underway. In fact by the time you read this one third of the year will have whizzed by never to be seen again. Now, I’m not one for New Year’s Resolutions (they’re so last year), but I am the type of chap that likes constant progress when it comes to developing a technician’s career.
There’s so much to be said for small steps taken everyday that on first look appear don’t appear to make a difference, but when gazed back upon over a 12 month period have a staggering affect on your capability to diagnose a vehicle first time, in a timely manner.
Pitter-patter of tiny feet
Small steps are all well and good but where do you start? After all, you don’t know what you don’t know, and you’d like to start your journey to diagnostic success off on the right foot. In this instance I’d start with the end in mind and reverse engineer the outcome you desire. It’s a logical process that works, and can be replicated time and time again in your diagnostic routine.
Your ‘end in mind’ in this instance is a vehicle where the fault no longer exists, that won’t appear back across the threshold of your workshop anytime soon. But how do you guarantee that?
One test to rule them all
I love nothing more than when the delegates working through our training programs have a technical epiphany. This happens at many points on their path of learning, but none more than with bypass testing.
Bypass testing is step nine in Johnny’s diagnostic circle of love (our 15 step routine), and often the key element in the first time fix. The good news for you is that it doesn’t require mythical creatures to forge their magical powers into an object that only one technician can possess. It’s something that every tech can learn, and become a diagnostic wizard.
What is bypass testing?
Quite simply it’s fixing the vehicle before you fix the vehicle. Let me explain.
Wouldn’t it be great if you suspected that a Mass Air Flow sensor was at fault and you could prove that you were right before you fitted a new part, or spoke to the owner of the vehicle. If you could do that then the positive effect it would have on you and the business you work for would blow you away.
Picture this: Your customer has reported that the vehicle is low on power. You’ve diligently questioned them, experienced the problem with them on a road test, and the bought the vehicle into the workshop.
You’ve pulled codes and found none present, followed by taking a look through serial data to hunt for diagnostic clues. It doesn’t take you long to identify that the MAF sensor frequency looks a little low at 1.5 Khz and your fuel trim data is incorrect and making a positive corrections. You’ve seen a bunch of these before and know that 1.85 Khz is a suitable value for this vehicle.
You’re keen to prove that the serial data is leading you in the right direction so confirm the sensor output with your oscilloscope. The oscilloscope frequency mirrors that of the serial tool and your starting to get that warm fuzzy feeling that an you’re onto something.
Steady the buffs
You’ve been close to success before though, only to be thwarted in the final moments so you’re keen not to be caught out twice. You know that documenting the reasons that the MAF output could be incorrect is the way to go, and duly make a list of tests required to confirm your theories.
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The impact of technology on the garage sector and the changing face of training were just some of the topics covered at the first Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) Industry Briefing of 2019.
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Ben has launched a new package for businesses, called Ben4Business.
- The Parts Alliance urges garages to give ‘Original Experience’
The Parts Alliance is running a new national garage promotion through February and March. The ‘Original Experience’ will see The Parts Alliance collaborate with suppliers Delphi, Comma, MANN-FILTER and NGK.
