Identifying and Managing Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying can affect victims in numerous ways. This vice creates a hostile work environment, resulting in increased stress, anxiety, and decreased job satisfaction.

Victims of workplace bullying often suffer mental and physical health issues. If you’re a victim of this vice, call a Toronto employment lawyer for legal counsel and representation if needed.

How to Identify Workplace Bullying

Identifying workplace bullying is the first step to creating a healthy and respectful work environment. Here are the common ways to identify workplace bullying:

Verbal Abuse

Observe if employees are subjected to persistent insults, belittling, or offensive language. Verbal abuse can be done privately or publicly.

Intimidation Tactics

Perpetrators of this vice often use fear-inducing tactics to subdue or manipulate their victims. These tactics can include:

• Yelling
• Threats, or
• Aggressive body language, among others.

Exclusion or Isolation

Isolation occurs when an employee is consistently excluded from social activities, meetings, or important projects without any valid reason.

Excessive Workload

This form of workplace bullying occurs when employees are burdened with an unreasonable workload, impossible deadlines, or deliberately set up for failure.

Undermining Actions

These are deliberate actions aimed at sabotaging an employee’s work, such as withholding information, spreading rumors, or taking credit for their achievements.

Discrimination

Identify instances of unfair treatment based on the protected characteristics of employment, such as gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Workplace discrimination can create a hostile work environment.

Constant Criticism

This form of workplace bullying occurs when an employee is consistently and disproportionately criticized. The victim may be unfairly criticized for their:

• Work performance
• Appearance, or
• Personal characteristics.

As a result of constant criticism, victims often experience feelings of inadequacy.

Cyberbullying

Be aware of bullying behaviors carried out through digital means, including email, social media, and other online platforms.

Micromanagement

Observe if a supervisor or coworker exhibits excessive control, closely monitoring and scrutinizing every aspect of an employee’s work. Micromanagement causes unnecessary stress and undermines the autonomy of employees.

Emotional Impact

Pay attention to signs of emotional distress in employees. These signs can include

1. Anxiety
2. Depression
3. Absenteeism
4. Behavioural change, and
5. Frequent sick leave requests.

What are the Effects of Workplace Bullying on Employees?

Workplace bullying affects employees not only mentally and physically but in other numerous ways. That said, victims should seek legal and medical help to overcome the effects of this bullying in the workplace. Here are the common effects of workplace bullying on employees:

Emotional Distress

Employees who experience workplace bullying often suffer from emotional distress. They may feel anxious, stressed, and fearful, leading to decreased job satisfaction and motivation.

Decreased Productivity

When employees are constantly bullied, their focus and concentration on their work will likely diminish. The immediate effects of diminished focus are decreased productivity, missed deadlines, and poor quality of work.

Low Self-Esteem

Continuous bullying erodes the victim’s self-esteem. Employees may start doubting their abilities, feel worthless, and lose confidence in their skills. This can lead to a decline in overall performance and career progression.

Increased Absenteeism

Workplace bullying can lead to increased absenteeism as employees may avoid coming to work to escape the hostile environment. Frequent absences disrupt workflow, burden coworkers, and negatively impact the organization.

Physical Health Issues

The stress from bullying can weaken the immune system, making victims more susceptible to illnesses. Employees who endure workplace bullying are at higher risk of developing health challenges, such as

• Headaches
• Abdominal issues
• High blood pressure, and
• Sleep disturbances.

Mental Health Disorders

Prolonged exposure to workplace bullying can contribute to the development of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Employees may experience constant fear, insomnia, loss of appetite, and a decline in overall well-being.

Decreased Job Satisfaction

Workplace bullying can significantly reduce an employee’s job satisfaction. The toxic environment and lack of support from management or colleagues can make victims resentful of their work. As a result, they search for greener pastures.

Increased Turnover

Research shows that bullying in the workplace is a major contributor to high turnover rates within organizations. Employees who experience bullying may seek employment elsewhere, resulting in the loss of valuable talent and increased recruitment and training costs.

Affected Relationships

Workplace bullying can strain professional relationships and create a hostile work environment. This vice can lead to a breakdown in teamwork, collaboration, and communication, negatively impacting productivity and morale.

Legal and Financial Consequences

Workplace bullying can have legal and financial ramifications for organizations. Victims may file complaints or lawsuits, resulting in legal expenses and potential compensation payouts. Additionally, the negative reputation associated with workplace bullying can deter potential employees and customers.

If you’re experiencing workplace bullying in Canada, it’s advisable to seek the help of a reputable lawyer near you. They can provide legal advice, help you understand your rights, and represent you in court if required.