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Workplace Bullying
Louise Page • August 14, 2024

A Reflection on Bullying and Growing Up

When my son was in school, he came to me upset one day. Another boy his age at school was struggling to fit in and was getting significantly negative attention. My son felt for him but also felt the strong pull to fit in, too. This was an excellent opportunity to talk about the hardest lesson to learn - staying true to your values can take courage.


Have you witnessed something at your workplace and later wished you had spoken up? Even now you may wish to develop courage in this area. Consider contacting your HR or a consult with EASA and we can work together to find a solution.


Perhaps you reacted with a co-worker in a way you regret but are struggling to own your own behaviour. You are not alone, self-reflection is incredibly tough - but you can do this!


Though workplaces should be safe havens where employees thrive, collaborate, and grow they are also full of imperfect humans - humans, though, are capable of great growth and change.




Understanding Workplace Bullying

What is Workplace Bullying?


Workplace bullying is more than just a tough boss or occasional disagreement. It involves repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed toward an employee or a group of workers, creating a risk to health and safety. Examples of this include verbal abuse, threats, and exclusion. It can be subtle, too: Oops, left off the circulation list, "Sorry, missed sending you the meeting invite", etc.



The Toll on Individuals


Bullying takes a toll on mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Victims often suffer silently, fearing retaliation or stigma. Self-reflection is crucial: Are we perpetuating harmful behaviour? Can we change our approach?



The Bystander Effect


At one of my past workplaces, a senior manager whistled to call another manager to his office. A worker new to the area witnessed this and encourage the senior manager to review his understanding of leadership "I'm not sure that nay book on great leadership entails calling people like dogs". Others in the office who had witnessed this behaviour for months had put their heads down and were busy looking for other places to work. Their work output was suffering.


Research shows that witnessing workplace bullying and harassment can have significant effects on other employees. Here are some key impacts:


  • Health Consequences:
  • Physical Health - Recent studies suggest that being bullied at work can have serious effects on physical health. For instance, individuals who experience workplace bullying may be at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular illnesses, such as heart disease or stroke.
  • Mental Health - Witnessing bullying can also lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
  • Work Environment Disruption:
  • Bullying creates a hostile work environment, affecting morale and overall well-being.
  • It disrupts teamwork, collaboration, and productivity.
  • Absenteeism and Reduced Productivity:
  • Employees who witness bullying may take more sick days due to stress or anxiety.
  • Reduced productivity can result from the negative impact on motivation and focus.
  • Financial Impact:
  • Workplace bullying can lead to increased workers' compensation claims and absenteeism, resulting in financial losses for the organization.
  • Long-Term Effects:
  • In extreme cases, witnessing bullying can contribute to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other long-term health issues.



Self-Reflection: Am I part of the Solution?


Ask yourself:


  • How do I approach people? Is it respectful and empathetic?
  • Have I witnessed mistreatment? Did I speak up or stay silent?


Promoting a respectful and supportive workplace culture is crucial to prevent these negative consequences. Employers should address bullying promptly and create an environment where everyone feels safe and valued. If this looks challenging, we encourage you to reach out to our CORP division for options. If you encounter bullying or harassment, consider reporting it to your HR department or seek support from colleagues, or one of our experienced EASA clinicians.









Resources:


Villaflor, R. (2019). 'A Reflection on Bullying and Growing Up', Overcoming Obstacles, 2 October, https://www.overcomingobstacles.org/blog/2019/10/a-reflection-on-bullying/


Jarrett, C. (2020). 'Workplace Bullying is More Harmful than We Realised', BBC Online, 7 January, https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20191219-workplace-bullying-is-more-harmful-than-we-realised


Gordon, S. (2023). 'Signs and Effects of Workplace Bullying', Verywell Mind, 23 August, https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-effects-of-workplace-bullying-460628


Suggala, S., Thomas, S., Kureshi, S. (2020). 'Impact of Workplace Bullying on Employees' Mental Health and Self-Worth', In: Dhiman, S. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Workplace Well-Being. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02470-3_30-1


Bergersen, L. M., Hartley, C. E. (2020). 'Knock it Off! Harassment & Bullying in the Workplace', State Bar of Wisconsin, 1 May, https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=27711

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