Workplace bullying no laughing matterfrom The Chronicle Herald 1 An employee who routinely mocks co-workers and is openly sarcastic in front of the boss may be the source of guilty pleasure for some, but bullying in the workplace is no laughing matter. According to the Workplace Bullying Institute in Bellingham, Wash., bullying at work seems to have reached an all-time high, with 37 per cent of workers reporting having been subjected to belittling or demeaning remarks, threats and even physical attacks. Even though those behaviours can have devastating effects ranging from lost time as sick days and health-related problems, studies conducted by the institute suggest 62 per cent of employers ignore the problem. Alex Somos, an executive communications trainer with Juice Inc. of Guelph, Ont., says he recently led a workplace bullying session in which a woman stayed behind to tell him that her mother was so bullied at work that she tried to commit suicide. The note she left read: Feeling bullied at work. "There’s no doubt that bullying at work leads to depression, anxiety and low self-esteem," says Somos. Unfortunately, 40 per cent of bullied workers never tell their employers. And when they do, many employers either worsen the problem or ignore it entirely. Bullying antics range from cursing and passive aggressiveness to throwing objects across the room and physical violence, says Somos, who finds that some work environments encourage bullying when high stress, tight deadlines and long hours combine with overwhelming responsibility and less than adequate management training. Solving the problem requires that the very top of the organization buy into the issue, with experts recommending that strict policies be put into place, combined with education, understanding and an environment that encourages victims to come forward and the guilty to be addressed. Had enough of the bully at work? Somos recommends you try these techniques: - Know your rights. Many employers and jurisdictions have policies and laws in place. Some jurisdictions like Ontario are considering legislation to force employers to provide workers with emotional safety. In Quebec and Saskatchewan, laws have already come into force protecting employees from bullying. - Use the right language. When confronting a bully, interrupt their behaviour and, using the bully’s name, ask him or her to stop. Tell the bully how their actions make you feel and recommend an alternative behaviour. Don’t be afraid to ask what’s prompting the bullying. - Get support. If you need support, ask a manager or co-worker to be with you when you approach a bully. In extreme cases, a bully can be approached together by a group of employees. - Take notes. In extreme cases, it’s helpful to document the bully’s behaviour, noting dates, times and specifics. This can be used in a written complaint later if things escalate. - Tell someone. If the bully persists, speak to your manager or the human resources department. But don’t retaliate by playing the bully’s game. It’ll just makes things worse for you. - Stand by your co-workers. If a co-worker is being bullied, support them by sitting in on meetings that the bully and victim attend. Act as a witness and back up the victim with management.  [ad#post-1] |
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