Workplace bullying is something that hasn’t really been talked about or made "public" until recently with the allegations of bullying within the NFL. However, even though it doesn’t get talked about, doesn’t meanit doesn’t happen.
The Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI) defines workplace bullying as "repeated mistreatment; sabotage by others that prevent work from getting done, verbal abuse, threatening conduct, intimidation and humiliation."
The majority of bullies are in management roles, which makes it more difficult for the victims to feel like they can take action without fearof losing their jobs. Unfortunately, that is what ultimately happens in most bullying situations anyway. The victim either quits or they arepushed out and terminated through the bully.
In 2010, the WBI conducted a survey and found that 35% of adults workingin the U.S. say they have been or currently are being bullied at work. That is an estimated 54 million workers effected directly by workplace bullying. That doesn’t account for the 15% that say they have witnessedworkplace bullying and were indirectly affected by what the experience. When you total that up, that is half of the American workforce that are going to jobs everyday to try and make a living for themselves and their families but are subject to mistreatment and intimidation causing them stress, physical and psychological issues.
So, what can an employer do about workplace bullying? Currently, workplace bullying isn’t illegal but that doesn’t mean it isn’t wrong. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that employers create a culture ofrespect and fair treatment of all employees in the workplace as well ashave a Workplace Bullying policy that is communicated and enforced consistently. It is important to not only listen to employees, but alsobe aware of the behaviors in the workplace including turnover rates, lower productivity, etc. Most victims of bullying won’t talk about beingbullied or report to their employer, so it is up to the employer to be more vigilant.
Additional information on the survey conducted by the Workplace Bullying Institute can be found on their website at www.workplacebullying.org.
Deanna Arnold, PHR, is the president and owner of Cornelius, N.C.-based Employers Advantage LLC, which provides practical and sound solutions to meet the needs of your business in all aspects of human resources, including but not limited to, recruiting, benefits, employee relations, compliance, performance management, HRIS, workers compensation, safety, facilities/office management, and budgeting. She can be reached by emailing [email protected] or calling 980-422-7953. www.employersadvantagellc.com