Bullying was at one time just an issue in schoolyards and classrooms. Yet, in recent years, bullying in the workplace has become a major concern among employees, managers and supervisors. While having a tough, demanding boss is one thing, bullying is something different altogether. It can essentially undermine an employees’ performance, greatly affect their overall attitude and cause unnecessary stress.
According to The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, bullying in the workplace is not illegal in the U.S. unless it involves various forms of illegal harassment. The result of bullying is extensive and can even be the potential source of physical and mental health problems. So, what can employers do about bullying and how can they prevent it in their workplace?
Here are a few actions employers can take to fight against this age-old behavior in an effort to prevent it.
1. Identify Bullying
Unlike the schoolyard tormentor, bullying in the workplace goes way beyond stealing lunch money. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries also states that bullying involves many behavioral patterns towards an employee(s) including (but not limited to):
- Being shouted and sworn at or humiliated.
- Deliberately excluded or isolated
- Excessive mentoring and micro-management
- Deliberately singling out an employee for no apparent reason
2. Educate Managers, Supervisors and Directors
Employers or human resource professionals may want to implement a zero-tolerance anti-bullying program (or policy) to ensure senior staff is aware of bullying and that they are provided with proper training on how to get involved constructively. In fact, The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries states that bullying will less likely take place if a company takes a strong stand and the tormentor is likely to be accountable for their actions.
3. Reporting and Investigating Bullying
Employers can also encourage staff to report any incidents. Although no employee wants to be known as a “snitch or a tattle-tale,” reporting about bullying should be handled quietly and confidentially with the assurance that there won’t be any further consequences in the workplace.
On a final note, according to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, if an employer, supervisor or manager doesn’t take action against bullying in the workplace, then they are accepting a share of the responsibility for future abuses.
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