The numbers of people who are targets of workplace
bullying are staggering.
The Workplace Bullying Institute defines workplace bullying as a
repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons (the targets) by
one or more perpetrators that takes one or more of the following forms:
· * Verbal abuse
· * Offensive
conduct/behaviors (including nonverbal) which are threatening, humiliating, or
intimidating
· * Work interference - sabotage - which prevents work from getting done
Research by the Workplace Bullying Institute reported 26% of participants had been bullied in the past, 9% were currently being bullied, and 15% had witnessed bullying. Targets can suffer from
severe health related problems including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
suicidal ideation, and depression.
Terms often used synonymously are mobbing, workplace bullying, or
workplace incivility.
It is important to distinguish workplace bullying
from other forms abuse or harassment.Victims of physical assault, sexual harassment, and human rights
violations are protected by legislation, whereas, targets of bullying (with few
exceptions) are not legally protected.
Gail is a Workplace Bullying Institute trained
professional and is completing her dissertation on workplace bullying.
For more information or help with a workplace
bullying contact Gail.