What do you think of when you hear the word, “bully?”

For some of us, we think of an individual being loud and perhaps physically aggressive towards someone more passive or one deemed as “weak.” However, bullies can exist in all forms and may not be what we expect, especially in the workplace. Even though we are no longer in the sandbox or on the playground, these situations can still exist and unfortunately, may even go undetected.

Emotional abuse is more common in the workplace than overt forms of bullying, and this can range anywhere from gaslighting to exclusion. Other forms of bullying can include physical types (inappropriate gestures or physical harm), verbal (name-calling or belittling language), or even damage to property. Bullying essentially involves any form of harassment as a result of an employee’s background including race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, disability, age, or other identifying factors. Not only can bullying create a toxic work environment, but the individual receiving the harsh treatment can experience anxiety, issues concentrating, depression, sleep problems, decreased self-confidence, feelings of guilt, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and can even lead to cardiovascular problems.

According to Psychology Today, 30% of Americans have reported being bullied at work.

To help address this unfortunate reality, more preventative measures have been taken to reduce harm including providing education, compassion, and inclusive exercises. More specific steps to take if this happens are first to address physical safety; this can include creating physical distance from the aggressor, controlling breathing patterns, doing your best to practice empathy to avoid further provoking the bully and seeking help. Additionally, make sure to vocalize to the bully that the behavior is not acceptable, document what occurred, and tell a trusted source, such as a boss or other coworker. Lastly, practice self-care which can involve talking with a therapist or other professional, utilizing a support system, especially one in the workplace, and any practice to help with stress regulation such as yoga and deep-breathing exercises.

It is estimated that one-third of an individual’s life is spent at work.

If the environment involves constant sources of stress such as humiliation, unjustified accusations, or other forms of abuse, not only do the employees suffer, but the company will also experience hardship. Bullying can create quite a cost due to decreasing productivity and creating high turnover; although, even a higher price is paid when there is a lack of cohesion and community each day at work. Preventative measures are worth more than reactive responses.

Source: Psychology Today- The Six Stages of Workplace Bullying, The Rise in Workplace Bullying, How to Stop Workplace Bullying, and Workplace Bullying: Types, Intervention, Prevention (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us)

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