Statistics, Tips, and True Stories of Workplace Bullying

Statistics, Tips, and True Stories of Workplace BullyingStatistics, Tips, and True Stories of Workplace BullyingWorkplace bullying is a widespread problem thats beengaining momentum. In fact, studies show that nearly half of all U.S. workers are affected by workplace bullying. The Statistics- Who Are the Victims? CNBC conducted a poll in December 2017 and found that about 20 percent of those surveyed had experienced harassment in the workplace. Among those who had, 27 percent were women while only 10 percent were men. Approximately 19 percent were adults. Among those adults, just 16 percent were ages 18 to 34 while older Americans ages 50 to 64 represented 25 percent. This study welches focused on sexual harassment. National Public Radio reported on aelendherbei study by Stop Street Harassment just two months earlier in October 2017. It put the number of women who had experienced some gestalt of sexual harassment on the job at a disturbing 81 percent. Approximately 43 percent of men also reported experiencing such bullying. The Boston Globe nonetheless reported in December 2017 that overall, workplace bullying remains in the shadows- notlage that it doesnt exist but rather that it is still not receiving the attention it deserves. Also in 2017, the Workplace Bullying Institute found that 19 percent of Americans are bullied...and another 19 percent witness it 61 percent of Americans are aware of abusive conduct in the workplace 60.4 million Americans are affected by it 70 percent of perpetrators are men 60 percent of targets are women Hispanics are the most frequently bullied race 61 percent of bullies are bosses, the majority (63 percent) operate alone 40 percent of bullied targets are believed to suffer adverse health effects 29 percent of targets remain silent about their experiences 71 percent of employer reactions are harmful to targets 60 percent of coworker reactions are harmful to targets To stop it, 65 percent of targets lose their original jobs 77 percent of Americans support enacting a new law 46 percent report worsening of work relationships, post-Trump election The following stories illustrate the devastating effect of bullying and show how various bully victims have addressed workplace harassment. Bonnie Russell Triumphing Over a Workplace Bully After my supervisor at a privately owned legal advertising firm put his hands on me in anger and shoved me out of his office, I called the police. In front of the entire abverkauf crew, I began the conversation with, Id like to report an assault, then I supplied the details. The staff reacted quickly. Although the CEO was one building over, he arrived in two minutes. After talking to the bully, who admitted his actions, he asked me to step outside to talk. What are you doing to my company? he said angrily to me. This is not about your company, I said, matching his tone. Recognizing that I had the element of time and surprise on my side, it was my turn to be surprised when the CEO cut to the chase by asking me what it would take for me to cancel the call to the cops. I told him to fire the bully, and he did immediately. Angela Anderson Fired by a Bully I worked for the Law School Admission Council, the company that administers the LSAT. My boss never liked me, and why she hired me is still unclear. She bullied me extensively, yelling at me in front of my co-workers, threatening my job privately in her office, and discouraging alliances with co-workers. She treated people similarly in other departments, yelling at them in meetings. I tried to appease her until she threatened my job, at which point I constructed a letter to human resources. I gave her the courtesy of notifying her that I was going to HR, and she fired me before I had the chance to submit a complaint. Because of this, I have no legal recourse against her or the company and cannot claim retaliation. Natalie K. Camper, Ph.D., Founder and President, The Bully-Proof Company For Natalie C amper, bullying inspired a new business. The harassment occurred when I was 18 years old and very proud of my new job. There were several instances when I was approached by two different men. One was my boss who tried to corner me and touch me as I slid out from under his hands and went back to my seat. This happened several times, and I said and did nothing. I didnt know what to say or do. I stayed with the job all summer and just dealt with it as friends told me to do. Then there was the man whose business was a floor below. One day he came up to me at my desk and said, I just discovered a lump on my wifes breast. How about I examine yours? Once again, I said or did nothing. What was there to do? This was before anti-discrimination guidelines were published. When asked what sexual harassment was called before we had a name for it, Gloria Steinem said, You called it life. There were no laws to protect victims from workplace bullying. When I was bullied at 18,I just lived with it an d kept my head down. To my good fortune, a wonderful man who was rungs above me in terms of age and experience would magically appear and intervene on my behalf. He had some sort of instinct for when the big boss was cornering me and he would distract him. After 20 years as a consultant/trainer on sexual harassment and discrimination, I founded The Bully-Proof Company due to the terrible statistics and the stark reality that adult bullying victims have to deal with at work. Thirty-seven percent of U.S. employees say they have been bullied or have witnessed a bullying incident at work. That adds up to about 73 million people. What to Do If It Happens to You Many authorities on the subject of workplace bullying suggest taking most of the actions these women did. Remember, its not you, its the other guy. Stand up for yourself if possible. Your first step might be a frank discussion with the bully. Tell her that you dont appreciate her behavior. Ask her politely but firmly to stop. Of course, this isnt always possible when the bully is your boss or your supervisor. In this case, you might try to enlist the help of someone else reasonably high up in the hierarchy. If the bully is your co-worker, consider blowing the whistle and reporting the incidents to your supervisor or boss if confronting her directly doesnt stop. Name the bully. Go ahead and point a finger. Document each event. Note times, dates, and other details. If possible, get statements from witnesses in case your version of events is disputed...and it might be. If you have any vacation or sick time available to you, consider taking a step back for a few days to collect your thoughts away from work. Give yourself a little time to figure out what youre most comfortable doing about the situation. You might even want to talk the situation over with a therapist or counselor. Taking some time off can also give you a chance to explore other options. Unfortunately, sometimes the only way to make things righ t is to move on- if not to a new job, then at least to a new department where youre removed from the individual whos been bullying you. And, of course, call 911 immediatelyif youre in danger.