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

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