WORKPLACE BULLYING_Topic1

                                                 Workplace bullying 

What is workplace bullying?

Bullying is when people repeatedly and intentionally use words or actions against someone or a group of people to cause distress and risk to their wellbeing. These actions are usually done by people who have more influence or power over someone else, or who want to make someone else feel less powerful or helpless. Bullying is not the same as a conflict between people or disliking someone, even though people might bully each other because of conflict or dislike. 

What's stopping employees from making a complaint... 

Many victims of workplace bullying suffer silently out of fear of retribution and it's often hard for them to fully explain what is happening and how it started. Many victims feel that no one would believe them, or they were afraid of being labelled as a crybaby, so they hesitate to report the situation to a manager or someone else in the organization. Bullying is difficult to identify at the beginning. They are often afraid of losing their job, being transferred to another location or being reassigned to a difficult job. 

Is it possible for victims to be victimised beyond the original incident? 

Yes, it is possible for people who file complaints to be victimised beyond the original incident, they feel that colleagues and supervisors will treat them differently and are often tagged as "difficult to deal with" or are often misinterpreted. Many victims feel they won't be believed, particularly when it comes to bullying and workplace harassment. Reporting bullying means reliving it. This could also bring up past issues, making confrontation over workplace bullying, discrimination or harassment too difficult emotionally. victims may not want to go through the whole process of investigation.

Supportive co-workers and a better communicating environment can encourage victims to file a complaint against bullying. As an employer, it's important to create such an environment and provide them training and information about appropriate and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. They need to encourage employees to come forward to discuss more the bullying and possible conflicts in a workplace. 

What can managers do to create a culture where people feel safe to stand up.. 

1. listen to each other. 

2. show your appreciation when employees do well.

3. encourage coaching, practice consistency and focus on soft skills

4. lead by example of mutual respect 

5. solicit and act on feedback