The Workplace Psychological Safety Act is a new chapter added to Title 28 of the General Laws, focusing on the psychological well-being of employees in the workplace. It establishes public policy against psychological abuse, which can harm an employee's performance and dignity, and reinforces the employer's duty to maintain a safe work environment as per existing state and federal laws. The act defines terms such as bullying, mobbing, and psychological injury, and sets forth the responsibilities of employers to prevent and address psychological abuse. It prohibits psychological abuse that creates a toxic work environment and makes retaliation against employees who oppose such practices unlawful. Employers are required to adopt internal policies against psychological abuse, provide training, conduct workplace climate surveys, and report workplace statistics.
The bill holds employers accountable for psychological safety in the workplace by mandating reasonable measures to prevent and correct abusive conduct. Employers must compensate affected employees, including economic, compensatory, and punitive damages, with a minimum of $5,000 for each violation. Employees have the right to report abuse outside of the employer's protocol, file complaints with the department of labor and training, and directly sue the employer for violations. The act also outlines remedies for complainants, such as apologies, reinstatement, and damages for emotional distress, with a three-year statute of limitations for filing claims. The act includes a severability clause, ensures no conflict with other laws, and is effective upon passage.