Let’s get personal...

Workplace bullying is catastrophic to victims, witnesses, family, friends and the organisation itself.

The way we feel at work constitutes our ability to perform. As individuals we understand our emotional and physical well being better than anyone. Others can read into behavioural signs and assume or guess they know what is going on with another, but in reality they have no clue unless one confides and discloses true well being. It is rare for one to disclose such personal feelings to another work colleague for fear of being judged, or fear of becoming workplace gossip should their colleague inform others in passing conversation. So more often than not the receiver of continual hurtful behaviour will suffer in silence until it is too late. The victim may start taking sick days, they may take extended sick leave, they may lodge a compensation claim, and they may quit their job or at the very worst hurt themselves or others.

The psychological impact of bulling affects the ability to concentrate and focus on tasks that need to be completed. It destroys one’s self confidence. It creates an emotional turmoil of sadness within and all this leads to physical side effects. Those who have been on the receiving end of constant bullying will know all too well the personal impact. For those who have been blessed to not come into the path of a perpetrator, pause for a moment, close your eyes and make your own list of what you believe could be some of the emotional and physical effects of being bullied in the workplace.

Perceptions matter, workplace bullying does exist and the impact is very real. Everyone can take positive action and be proactive in reducing bullying in the workplace. Education is a positive action and the following may be something proactive worth considering.

 Educate and learn what is or is not considered bullying.

 Educate and learn resilience techniques and coping strategies.

 Educate the person who is unaware that their constant behaviour towards you or others is considered bullying.

 Educate the person who is aware that their constant behaviour towards you or others is bullying and their behaviour will be respectfully challenged.

Next month’s article will highlight “the impact of bullying on workplace witnesses and the organisation itself.”