Research released today shows that bullying in the workplace has significantly increased since 2003, with 69% of employees saying that they have been exposed to bullying in the workplace, compared to 52% in 2003.
David Price, Head of Employee Relations at Peninsula today said, ìYou get situations where employees fear coming into work. It is time to expose workplace bullying for what it really is, a form of harassment and in no way should it be tolerated. Bullying in the workplace can take on many forms and itís not just from colleagues as it seems many workers are harassed by management. We urge employers to have a system in place where workers are encouraged to speak to someone if they feel bullied and where their complaint is taken seriously and acted upon.î
ìWhen talking to employees it is apparent that those that are bullied by management or their employer are reluctant to work as hard as those that are not bullied. Silent bullying presents a major problem, where someone feels isolated when left out of group discussions and decisions. Employees and employers need to remember that harassment is in the eye of the recipient and the question employers need to consider is whether the situation could be considered severe enough for the employee to take legal action.î
Mr Price continues; ìVictims of bullying may be reluctant to even come forward and speak to their manager. In order to help reduce workplace bullying companies need to have a clearly written ëEqual Opportunities Policyí, and this should be communicated to staff. Ensuring an IT Policy is also in place will prove beneficial in terms of cyber bullying which can also be a source of bullying.î
ìFormal and informal procedures should be in place and staff should be made aware that any form of bullying and harassment is not tolerated. Encourage employees to speak to management if they are threatened or feeling victimised. Employers need to carryout a consistent investigation if they receive a claim.î
David Price concludes; ìBullying is a worrying problem for both the employer and the victim in question. It can affect productivity and employee relationships. Following grievance and disciplinary procedures, and having adequate policies in place will help to combat the problem, but failure to do so may result in the employee taking legal action.î
The research also showed:
69% of workers would never consider reporting bullying to their employer.
89% of workers are not sure whether their employer has policies relating to bullying and harassment at work.
7 in 10 employees have felt bullied at work with almost half of bullying instigated by management
69% of employees have been a victim of bullying in the workplace [compared to 52% in 2003]
