The Effects of Workplace Bullying

The Effects of Workplace Bullying Stress Management Job Stress Workplace Bullying Print The Effects of Workplace Bullying By Sherri Gordon facebook twitter Sherri Gordon is a published author and a bullying prevention expert. Learn about our editorial policy Sherri Gordon Updated on July 05, 2019 Gpointstudio/Image Source/Getty Images More in Stress Management Job Stress Workplace Bullying Effects on Health Management Techniques Situational Stress Household Stress Relationship Stress In This Article Table of Contents Expand Health Risks Job Performance Clinical Research Employers of Bullies Employer Response View All Back To Top If youre a target of bullies in the workplace, you probably  start each week with a pit of anxiety in your stomach. Then, you count down the days until the weekend or next vacation. Inappropriate behavior by adult bullies may include: Berating peopleStealing creditExcluding othersMaking snide remarksThreatening othersUnfair criticism The Health Risks of Bullying for the Victim The effects of  workplace bullying  dont end when you leave the office. Being a victim of bullying can cause physical and psychological health problems, including: StressAnxietyPanic attacksTrouble sleepingHigher blood pressureUlcers Bullying Affects Job Performance Bullied workers cant perform their jobs to the best of their ability. Performance issues include: Having trouble making decisionsAn incapacity to work or concentrateA loss of self-esteemLower productivity Bullied workers not only lose motivation, they lose time because they are preoccupied with: Trying to defend themselvesAvoiding the bullyNetworking for supportRuminating  about the situationPlanning how to deal with the situation What’s more, targets of bullying feel a sense of isolation.  In fact, workplace bullying can leave the victim so traumatized that they feel powerless, disoriented, confused and helpless. How Workplace Bullies Pick Their Targets Clinical Research on Bullying in the Workplace The problem is so prevalent, you can find clinical studies on the subject. Research on bullying in the workplace quantifies the personal consequences for the victim and fiscal consequences that affect the companys bottom line. Researchers at the University of Manitoba found  workplace bullying inflicts more harm on employees than sexual harassment. Compared to victims of sexual harassment in the workplace, bullied employees showed: More job stressLess commitment to the companyHigher levels of anxiety and anger Researchers at the University of Helsinki Department of Public Health found non-target coworkers suffer too. Their results show  victims of bullying and those who witness it are more likely to receive a prescription for psychotropic medications such as: AntidepressantsTranquilizersSleeping pills Effects on the Employers of Bullies Workplace bullying  has detrimental effects on employers, not just the victim and their co-workers who witness it. In addition to disrupting the work environment and impacting worker morale it can also: Reduce productivityCreate a hostile work environmentPromote absenteeismImpact workers compensation claimsResult in costly, and possibly embarrassing legal issues? Other costly effects on the employer include: Increased use of sick leave, health care claims and staff turnoverErosion of employee loyalty and commitmentAdditional costs to recruit and train new employeesPoor public image and negative publicityIncreased risk of legal action How Employers Can Respond to Bullying in the Workplace Its always in your best interest to confront workplace bullying and maintain a bullying-free workplace because prevention is more cost-effective than intervention or mediation. Its also the right thing to do if care about your employees. Employers must offer education opportunities for managers, supervisors, and other authority figures because the majority of workplace bullying comes from bullying bosses. Strive to create a workplace environment that cultivates teamwork, cooperation, and positive interaction instead. How to Confront a Workplace Bully