{"id":1142,"date":"2013-11-06T10:49:51","date_gmt":"2013-11-06T10:49:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.adjacentgovernment.co.uk\/?p=1142"},"modified":"2018-08-17T09:01:29","modified_gmt":"2018-08-17T08:01:29","slug":"workplace-bullying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/hr-skills-news\/workplace-bullying\/1142\/","title":{"rendered":"The real cost of workplace bullying"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dr Lynda Shaw, a chartered psychologist discusses the effects workplace bullying has on businesses.<\/b><\/h2>\n

The crippling effects of workplace bullying, which is rife in the UK but often goes unnoticed and unreported, is taking an immeasurable toll on our workforce.\u00a0 With one fifth of all UK employees experiencing some form of bullying and harassment, and employees with disabilities at least twice as likely to report having experienced bullying and harassment, I believe bullying is one of the major crises facing business today.<\/p>\n

When a bully targets someone, they may at first feel angry and frustrated, which can lead to a feeling of vulnerability and loss of confidence.\u00a0 If this happens, sleep, appetite, emotions and motivation are adversely affected.\u00a0 Levels of anxiety are heightened and can manifest into physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive disorders and more.\u00a0 It is hardly surprising that stress related absenteeism is a huge concern.<\/p>\n

Workplace bullying can often increase during times of austerity when the workforce is undergoing change, and anxiety can run high in the workforce, however all too often we are afraid to address it.<\/p>\n

When we think of bullying we probably think of cyber bullying and bullying in the playground, but businesses need to face up to the issue of bullying in their workforce. Both employees and employers are suffering as a result of workplace bullying, with high sickness rates, high employee turnover and low morale. Employers are responsible for taking preventative action against bullying and harassment, but they often turn a blind eye, perhaps because they believe adults should just be able to sort it out amongst themselves.<\/p>\n

Whilst having anti-bullying policies and training staff on bullying is essential, businesses may need to hire specialist companies to help deal with the issue. Specialist training can advise on ways to prevent bullying and how to deal with it effectively, when it does arise. Mediation companies can also provide trained professionals to mediate between the bully and the victim where possible.<\/p>\n

More needs to be done to raise awareness of workplace bullying so that all businesses can enforce a zero tolerance policy. Some people do not realise their behaviour is bullying. Bullying can vary from spreading malicious rumours, unfair treatment, to picking on someone, undermining a competent worker, denying someone\u2019s training or promotion opportunities, ignoring, humiliating or excluding someone, to undervaluing their work performance. It can happen face to face, by email, by letter, on social media or by phone, so it may not always be obvious to other people.<\/p>\n

Bullying at work is in no one\u2019s best interest, as it creates a miserable working environment, de-motivates employees, causes poor performance and stifles careers.\u00a0 If everyone did something to address workplace bullying we could solve it. Whether it be encouraging supportive work relationships, training staff on the effects of bullying, following a bullying policy or ultimately recognising when it is happening and addressing it immediately. It is imperative that bullying is not tolerated any longer.<\/p>\n

If you are a target of any form of bullying;<\/h3>\n