Bullying in the Workplace Essay Example

Bullying in the Workplace Essay Bullying in the workplace is a repetition of abusive actions against someone by colleagues or superiors at work. Workplace bullying can happen to anyone. It is important to learn the signs of bullying and the way to handle and solve the issue. Bullying can leave individuals with long lasting emotional damage. Research has shown that bullying is often only resolved when the victim leaves the work place. In recent years organizations have formed to fight against bullying. Numerous amount of research has now been done to try to understand bullying and improve the work environment. Hopefully this report will enlighten people to the serious issue of bullying so that we are all aware of our actions in the workplace. Bullying devastates its victims and the damage lasts a long time. Bullying is a repeated mistreatment of a person as a way to control the victim (Namie, 2000, p. 3). Bullying can happen to anyone who works with the same group of people every day. The results of bullying also differ, many may have physical, emotional, and economical problems (Namie, 2000, p. 55-57). Several people may leave the work place, others may fight back, and others may take the bullying every day. Lastly this paper will discuss the best ways to be successful in ending bullying without leaving the job. Problem Bullying has become an important issue over the years but still is not illegal, â€Å"either the law does not apply at all or the legal options make the case too difficult to build† (Namie, 2000, p. 6). We will write a custom essay sample on Bullying in the Workplace specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Bullying in the Workplace specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Bullying in the Workplace specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Research has shown that most people who report that the bullying has stopped said it did so only because they left their place of work (Namie, 2000, p. 271). Purpose The purpose of this report is to inform people and bring more awareness to the cause by including types of bullies, effects of bullying, and how to stop bullying in the workplace. Scope The topic discussed in this report is useful for most people. Anyone who works with the same group of people every day can benefit from reading thing; such as those who work in an office, nursing staff, or any company. Discussion Bullying covers a range between rudeness and violence (Namie, 2000, p. 10). Bullying often starts off as a small act and if not stopped it grows to more damaging actions or words. Among the various types of bullying are: Chronic bullying, Accidental bullying, and Opportunistic bullying. Chronic bullying is the worst type, it is frequently harassment to the victim. These bullies need to have power over people and situations, they are often very charming but cocky, they do not have empathy for others, and they feel threatened when someone challenges them (Chronic Bullies, 2012). Chronic bullies are always dominating, in work and out (Namie, 2000, p. 16). Accidental bullying is committed by people who are unconscious of its impact on the victim and they usually apologize and promise to not repeat it. â€Å"[They’re] awkward and child-like† (Namie, 2000, p. 17). Opportunistic (â€Å"climbers†) bullying is the most common and is committed to take personal advantage to get ahead (Namie, 2000, p. 16). These type of bullies are competitive in the work place, but when they are not working they can be charming, loving people. Other types of bullies also include the substance abusing bully, the constant critic, the two-headed snake, the gatekeeper, and the screaming mimi (Namie, 2000, p. 17-30). There are many things that someone can do to be considered bullying. Bullying actions include shouting or swearing at someone, singling someone out or criticizing them, excluding him or her from company activities, embarrassing them, or repeating practical jokes (Bullying Statistic, 2009). These actions can cause a lot of stress. Research has shown that being bullied has a great impact on the individual’s health status; bullying cause emotional damage, physical health damage, damage to social relationships, and economical damage (Namie, 2000, p. 55-57). Examples of changes or damages include, loss of sleep, moos swings, PTSD, nightmares, clinical depression, headaches, skin disorders, hair loss, weight swings, heart attack, wavering support from family, divorce, abandonment by friends, short-term or long-term disability, loss of home, and personal savings depletion (Namie, 2000, p. 56-58). Bullying is a treat to an individual’s freedom from fear, his or her health, dignity, reputation, respect, and more (Namie, 2000, p. 11). Although many organizations have been formed and awareness is spreading, bullying in the workplace still happens every day. Unlike children, adult need to handle the situation, and handle it professionally. Document the Bullying Occurrence The best way to handle bullies is to document their behavior properly. This includes when it happened, where it happened, who did it, and how it made the victim feel (Workplace Bulling and Disruptive Behavior, 2011). Bullies like the chronic bullies will never change, it is just who they are (Namie, 2000, p. 14). At this point it is not important to know why the bully does what he or she does but how to stop it. Report to Competent Authorities After keeping notes of when, where, and how the bullying is mistreating its victim, the victim should report the bully. Reporting the bully makes managers or owners aware of what they might have not seen. If the authority figure is competent he or she will handle the situation. By reporting bullying it allows for change in the work place. Bullies like the opportunistic bully can change if the company starts to punish the mistreatment of others (Namie, 2000, p. 16). Solicit the Support of Trusted Co-workers It is important to have someone to talk to at work. Talking to co-works can relieve stress and can allow for group thinking on how to solve the situation (Namie, 2000, p. 24-25). Will your co-workers back you up? If all co-workers feel the same way about the bully it is easier to be heard by company higher-ups. Lastly having trusted co-works allows for goof relationship and within these relationship victim can learn to use humor and other techniques like yoga to distress (Namie, 2000, p21-31). Conclusion In conclusion, bullying in the work place is defined as a constant obvious persecution by a stronger colleague against a weaker employee. There are many types of bullying, but the three most common are chronic, accidental, and opportunistic. Although in some cases it might be helpful to know why the bullying is picking on the victim, it is most important to find a solution. The victim should always handle the situation professionally. Reporting the bully can be necessary. Lastly even though bullying is a hot topic right now it is not illegal and organization have been started to inform people. To stop bullying people need to be educated at a young age because its damage lasts a long time. Recommendations If employers were to use these recommendations they may have a lower turn-over rate within their company due to bullying by employees. They will also see a more productive environment, which in turn makes the company more money. 1. Provide a seminar against bullying. . Raise awareness of what constitute as bullying. 3. Clearly state and display company policies against bullying. 4. Conduct surveys on leadership personalities. 5. Allow for group work to build trusting relationships among co-workers. 6. Managers should always monitor for workplace bullying and investigate any issues that have been reported. Bullying must always be taking seriously. 7. Bul ly must be punished through either a written warning, retraining, transferring, or suspension. References Bullying Statistic. (2009). Stop Bullying, Harassment, and Violence. Workplace Bullying: Retrieved from http://www. bullyingstatistics. org/content/workplace-bullying. html Namie, G. amp; Namie, R. (2000). The Bully at Work: What you can do to stop the hurt and reclaim Your dignity on the job. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks, Inc. Wave. (2012). Chronic Bullies. In Workplace against violence in employment: Retrieved from http://www. wave. org. nz/index. php/information/chronic-bullies Workplace Bullying and Disruptive Behavior: What everyone needs to know. (2011). What can Be done about bullying: Retrieved from http://www. lni. wa. gov/Safety/Research/Files/Bullying. pdf