Symptoms
The "symptoms" of being a target of workplace bullying are primarily emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical. These can include:
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Sleep disturbances
Loss of self-esteem
Difficulty concentrating
Gastrointestinal problems
Panic attacks
Increased absenteeism or presenteeism (being at work but unproductive)
Social isolation
Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
Burnout
Causes
The "causes" of workplace bullying are multi-faceted and often involve a combination of factors:
Organizational Culture: A toxic work environment that tolerates or even encourages aggressive behavior.
Poor Management: Ineffective leadership, lack of clear policies and procedures, and failure to address conflicts.
Power Imbalances: Abuses of authority and control by individuals in positions of power.
Personality Factors: Some individuals are predisposed to bullying behavior due to their personality traits (e.g., narcissism, aggression).
Jealousy or Competition: Resentment or rivalry between colleagues can trigger bullying.
Lack of Accountability: Absence of consequences for bullying behavior.
Stressful Work Conditions: High workloads, tight deadlines, and job insecurity can contribute to a tense environment where bullying may occur.
Is Communicable
? Workplace bullying is not communicable in the sense of a disease. However, bullying *can* spread within an organization if left unchecked. Observing bullying behavior and seeing that it goes unpunished can normalize it and encourage others to engage in similar behavior. It can create a culture of fear and intimidation.
Precautions
Precautions" to prevent or address workplace bullying include:
Implement Clear Anti-Bullying Policies: Establish a zero-tolerance policy with clear definitions of bullying and procedures for reporting and investigating incidents.
Provide Training: Offer training to managers and employees on how to recognize, prevent, and address bullying.
Promote a Positive Workplace Culture: Foster a culture of respect, empathy, and open communication.
Encourage Reporting: Create a safe and confidential reporting system where employees can report bullying without fear of retaliation.
Take Complaints Seriously: Investigate all complaints thoroughly and take appropriate disciplinary action against perpetrators.
Offer Support to Victims: Provide counseling, support groups, and other resources to help victims cope with the effects of bullying.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of bullying incidents, including dates, times, witnesses, and specific behaviors.
Seek Legal Advice: If bullying violates workplace laws or policies, consult with an attorney.
How is it diagnosed?
Workplace bullying is not formally diagnosed in the same way as a medical condition. However, it can be "identified" by:
Observing a pattern of behavior: Identifying repeated instances of offensive, intimidating, or malicious behavior.
Gathering evidence: Collecting documentation such as emails, memos, and witness statements.
Conducting investigations: Investigating complaints of bullying thoroughly.
Assessing the impact on the victim: Evaluating the emotional, psychological, and physical effects of the bullying on the individual.
Comparing the behavior to anti-bullying policies: Determining whether the behavior violates established workplace policies. A qualified HR professional or investigator is usually best equipped to assess the situation. Mental health professionals can assess the psychological impact.
Important Considerations
Legal Implications: Workplace bullying may violate anti-discrimination laws or other labor laws, depending on the jurisdiction.
Organizational Responsibility: Employers have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide a safe and respectful work environment.
Impact on Productivity: Workplace bullying can significantly reduce employee morale, productivity, and retention.
Mental Health: The psychological effects of bullying can be severe and long-lasting, potentially leading to mental health disorders.
Bystander Effect: Bystanders play a crucial role in addressing bullying. Encouraging them to intervene or report bullying can help to create a more positive workplace culture.
Early Intervention: Addressing bullying early on is essential to prevent it from escalating and causing further harm.
Confidentiality: Maintaining confidentiality during investigations is important to protect the privacy of all parties involved.