Bullying in the Workplace

A Deer Oaks Presentation

What is Workplace Bullying?

Often involves an abuse or misuse of power Is intended to intimidate and create a risk

to the health and safety of an employee Includes behavior that intimidates,

degrades, offends, or humiliates a worker, often in front of others

Creates feelings of defenselessness in the target and undermines an individual’s right to dignity at work

Anyone can be a target

What is Workplace Bullying?

It is important to remember that workplace bullying can be perceived as discrimination and, therefore, can lead to discrimination lawsuits of the employer.

Difference Between Bullying and Aggression

Aggression usually involves a single act However, bullying can include physical

aggression and threats Bullying involves repeated attacks against

the target Unlike childhood bullying, adult bullying

involves far more manipulative and damaging strategies As a consequence, psychological and physical

health can be affected.

Common Bullying Strategies in the Workplace

Threatening the individual's work status

Threatening personal standing Isolating the individual from

information, opportunities, outings, etc.

Giving impossible deadlines, overwork and undue pressures

Common Bullying Strategies in the Workplace

Undermining the individual, for example: Such as demeaning their standard of

work Not giving credit Setting up projects to fail Reminders of mistakes.

Examples of Bullying

Unwarranted or invalid criticism

Blame without factual justification

Being treated differently than fellow employees

Being sworn at

Examples of Bullying

Exclusion or social isolation

Being shouted at or being humiliated

Being the target of practical jokes

Excessive monitoring or micromanaging

How Managers Encourage Bullying

Pit workers against each other or emphasize a competitive workplace.

Have a lax management style, so that employees must fill in the blanks themselves regarding what is acceptable and what is not.

Make unreasonable demands and goals of employees and managers.

How Managers Encourage Bullying

Fail to give supervisors the authority to reprimand problem workers.

Set impossible deadlines or provide too little funding to accomplish a goal.

Being unclear about expectations then reprimanding for not meeting expected: Project deadlines Work performance level

How Bullying Affects Work Performance

Failure to meet organizational goals Increased frequencies of grievances,

resignations, and requests for transfers

Increased turnover Increased absence due to sickness Increased disciplinary actions

How Bullying Affects People

High stress; Acute Stress Disorder or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Financial problems due to absence Musculoskeletal problems Digestive problems Sleep disturbances

How Bullying Affects People

Phobias Increased depression Reduced self-esteem

** Seek counseling if the bullying has affected your ability to engage in your day-to-day activities either and/or home.**

If You Are Dealing with a Workplace Bully

Seek the advice of a trusted mentor who may have dealt with this situation before.

If you can, confront the bully in a professional manner, but only if your physical safety isn't threatened.

Don't sink to his or her level. Stay as calm as possible.

If You Are Dealing with a Workplace Bully

Don't yell or threaten. Don’t show weakness either. Don't try to win over other people to

your side. Use eye contact while in discussions

with bully Be specific about behavior you want

stopped

If You Are Dealing with a Workplace Bully

Don't allow the bully to intimidate you or make you feel bad about yourself. You know your true worth.

Do your job and do it well. The workplace bully wants you to fail and when you don't fail he or she will be defeated.

Make sure your superiors are aware of your work. Your actions carry more weight than words of the bully who is trying to undermine you.

Don't allow the bully to isolate you from your colleagues. Keep up your workplace friendships.

Report it.

What Managers Need to Handle a Bully in the Workplace

Time: You may need some time to write a policy on how to handle bullying and train managers accordingly. You’ll need a few hours to meet with employees when an issue arises.

Input: Encourage employees to report bad behavior. Policy changes: Talk to HR about adding bullying to

your company’s discrimination policies. Most policies just cover unlawful harassment, such as sexual or racial harassment.

A company culture that doesn’t tolerate bullies: Upper management who is in support of setting good examples will be the first step in preventing bullying in the workplace.

How a Manager/Supervisor Should Handle a Bully

It is best to screen bullies out during the hiring process. Be attentive during the interview.

Act fast and confront the bully about the unacceptable behavior.

Target the behavior, not the person Determine if the offender should be

written up, get counseling, lose pay, or ultimately be fired.

Lifestyle Practices that Reduce Stress (due to a

Workplace Bully or Other Issue)

Exercise Three times a week for at least a half-hour.

Eat Healthy Eat small meals every 3 to 4 hours; Reduce fats

and sugars and increase proteins.

Engage in an activity that you enjoy Reading, drawing, swimming, etc.

Sleep Restfully Try to sleep a total of 8 hours each night.

The Importance of Correct Breathing

Poor breathing makes it harder to cope with stressful situations.

Improper breathing contributes to a number of psychological and physical symptoms.

Chest breathing is often associated with an emotional distress.

Diaphragmatic breathing is the easiest way of eliciting the relaxation response

Thank You for Participating Contact us today at 1-866-327-2400 for more

information, or visit our website at: www.deeroaks.com