Bullying does not just happen on the playground. It does not just happen to kids. Bullying at the workplace has become as common as staff meetings, yet it is seldom discussed.
OVERLOOKED FACT 1
The effects of bullying can be as devastating to adults as they are to children. It hurts the individual, and it hinders the company’s mission. Workplaces where bullying exists suffer from higher turnover, lower rates of efficiency and quality, and limited productivity. In fact:
– Workplace bullying costs over $180 million per year in lost productivity.
– 28% of bullying victims claim to have reported an incident and the overwhelming majority, 62%, say that nothing was done.
– The cost to follow up on each workplace bullying complaint is $83,000 and to litigate, $1.4 million.
“It is critical to bully proof your company to enhance innovation. in a positive, inclusive workplace culture, employees — and the company — thrive.”
Workplace bullying comes in many forms:
– Harassment
– Incivility
– Conflictual communication
– Coercion
– Discrimination
– Intimidation
– Violence
– Verbal abuse
– Belittling comments
– Cyber bullying
– Gossip
– Exclusion from meetings
– &Yelling
These examples reflect an international epidemic that affects every workplace.
OVERLOOKED FACT 2
When the workplace is bully free,productivity soars and employees are loyal, happy, and efficient. 30% of people who are bullied leave; 20% who witness bullying also leave their job. Employees who experience bullying miss a great deal of work and prompt witnesses to look for new jobs.
Workplace bullying has a devastating impact on employees’ well-being and job satisfaction, putting great stress on their families as they struggle with depression. It also:
– Diminishes job satisfaction
– Prompts employees to use sick days to avoid coming to work
– Causes sleep, digestive and musculoskeletal problems
– Promotes family tension and stress
– Contributes to over 2 million violent workplace incidents each year
OVERLOOKED FACT 3
As new workplace bullying legislation is being introduced in Congress, companies will face consequences for not creating bully-free zones in the workplace. Never before has it been so essential to create safe and cohesive workplaces. Media coverage in Forbes, Gazette, and other newspapers highlights how ongoing lawsuits are now commonplace and the company is often liable – because they ARE preventable. Employers can no longer afford to look the other way.
Follow us here at The VLNetwork to stay up to date on resources and solutions that will empower you to end bullying in the workplace. We believe that being bold, brilliant, and bully free is a personal and professional journey that leads to extraordinary workplaces and extraordinary lives.
