WORKPLACE BULLYINGPROTECTING YOURSELF AT

WORK(Instructor Version)

Braathe EnterprisesVirtual Internship Program 2014

Karen GarciaAmanda JonesDarcy Socha

Ileana Wilburg

• Define workplace bullying• Discuss facts and figures on workplace bullying• Identify the signs or examples of bullying• Describe what is not considered workplace bullying• Distinguish the difference between bullying, harassment and assault• Who is targeted for bullying, in the workplace?• The Effects of Bullying: How the victim is affected. How the workplace is

affected• Discuss the laws lacking in the workplace• Apply the No A-hole Rule to the workplace

Objectives

Bullying is any behavior that is unwelcome, offensive, inequitable, unsolicited or objectionable. It can be physical, mental, verbal, sexual or racial. (Kane, S., n.d.)

Persistent, offensive, abusive, intimidating or insulting behaviour, abuse of power, or unfair punishment which upsets, threatens and/or humiliates the recipient(s), undermining their self-confidence, reputation and ability to perform. (Tim Field Foundation, n.d.)

What is bullying?

Acts or verbal comments that can mentally hurt or isolate a person in the workplace. It can involve negative physical contact. They are repeated incidents and can be described as the assertion of power through aggression.

(CCOHS, n.d.)

What is workplace bullying?

● Intimidating a person● Undermining or deliberately impeding a person's work● Constantly changing work guidelines● Underwork - creating a feeling of uselessness● Unwarranted (or undeserved) punishment● Blocking applications for training, leave or promotion

(CCOHS, n.d.)

Examples of Workplace Bullying

( mgkid.com)

Bullying is not a one time incident; it is persistent and repeated behavior

Law firms are typical breeding grounds for bullying

Women are typically targeted for workplace bullying, more so than men.

It affects both employees and companies

(Kane, n.d-b)

Facts

In 2007:• In the US, about 37% of workers have been bullied at the office• 49% when witnesses are included• About 45% of the individuals targeted suffer stress-related problems• Companies then have to pay employee turnover and workers’ comp.• Bullying hurts more than sexual harassment

In 2014:• About 27% of Americans have been bullied at work• 21% have witnessed an incident of workplace bullying

(Van Dusen, A., 2008; Richardson, L., 2014)

Figures

Outside Work

● Feeling ill the night before the start of the work week

● Family’s request to stop obsessing about work at home

● Feeling too ashamed of being controlled by another person

● Paid time off is used for mental health breaks

● Time off is spent exhausted and lifeless, the desire to do anything is gone

(Workplace Bullying Institute, n.d.)

Signs that you are being bullied

At Work

● The work is never good enough for the boss

● Constantly feeling agitated and anxious, experiencing a sense of doom, waiting for bad things to happen

● People scream or yell at the individual in front of others, yet the person is punished if he or she scream back

● All individuals in the office agree the tormentor is a jerk, but there is nothing they will do about him/her

● Requested transfers to an open position under another boss is mysteriously denied

(Workplace Bullying Institute, n.d.)

Signs that you are being bullied

• Manager who shouts at or criticizes all of his or her employees

• Co-worker who is critical of everything• Takes credit for successes• Passes blame for mistakes• Frequently makes hurtful comments or jokes about others

• Constructive feedback

• Reasonable management and direction of workers

(Bullying in the Workplace, n.d: Workplace Bullying, n.d.)

What is not workplace bullying

The difference between bullying, harassment and assault:

• Harassment and assault comes from a small number of fairly serious incidents

• Negative comments or actions based on a person's gender, ethnicity, religion, or other legally protected status

• Bullying certainly looks and feels like harassment.

Video: Work Place Bullying

(Allen, n.d; Workplace Bullying Institute, n.d.; Workplace Bullying, n.d.)

Differences

• Develop a comprehensive anti-bullying policy

• Clarify that severe disciplinary consequences

• Create a well communicated process

• Periodically train all employees

(Baltimore Business Journal, n.d.)

What employers can do

(Clker.com)

In the bully's mind, you pose a threat to him or her if you are:• Independent• Well-liked• have strong social skills• Empathetic & Nurturing• Ethical• Honest• Non-confrontive• Nurturing personalities are the easiest targets at work.

Insecure bosses and coworkers can not stand to see you recognized for your talent. Bully bosses will steal credit for work that you did.

(Namie, n.d)

Who gets targeted by bullies at work?

(Bullyonline.org)

Victims of workplace bullying do not necessarily fall into a protected classification

Employers should promote and implement anti-bullying policies

Workplace bullying is not addressed by existing law● Creating a private right of action● Creating a mechanism for injunctive relief● State enforcement

(Baltimore Business Journal, n.d.; Workplace Bullying, n.d.)

Laws Lacking in the Workplace

(Imgkid.com)

Bullies may display some or all of these personality characteristics:

• Lack of empathy - Bullies feel no remorse for their victims. When questioned about a bullying incident, bullies will typically blame the victim, and they will show no remorse.

• Dr. Jekyl and Mr, Hyde - Bullies appear to have a sweet demeanor when witnesses are present. In the absence of a witness, bullies are mean and vindictive to their victims.

• Excellent liars ,and manipulators- “Highly skilled in social manipulation”• Bullies make excuses for their behavior and thus are able to secure

positions of authority in the organization.

(De Guzman, 2012)

Characteristics of a bully

In an interview with ABC News, Gary Namie, the Workplace Bullying Institute director, calls workplace bullying "psychological violence." (Brooke, J. n.d.)

Workplace bullying can have devastating effects on a person's: • self-esteem• confidence• well-being • physical health

(Brooke, 2014)

How bullying affects the victim

Workplace bullying can be bad for business, it can lead to:

• Reduced Productivity• Lost Time• Employee Turnover• The company could develop a bad reputation• Loss of Innovation• Legal Costs• Rehabilitation Costs

(Bullying Statistics, 2013)

How bullying affects the company

Workplace Bullying Institute 3-Step Method:1. Name it2. Take time to heal and launch a counterattack3. Expose the bully

Video: How to deal with workplace bullying

Remember, your personal health takes priority!

(Namie, G. & Namie, R., n.d.)

Faced with Bullying?

What to do if you are a witness to bullying:• Stand in plain view of the bully

• Keep detailed, factual records

• Offer support to the victim

• Help the victim prepare

• Go with the victim

(ALIS, n.d.)

Witnessed Bullying?

(Justiceyoudeserve.com)

Video: BNET Book Brief: The No Asshole Rule

Are you dealing with an A-hole?Two quick test to determine if you are dealing with an A-hole

Are you an A-hole? Take the test to find out: http://electricpulp.com/guykawasaki/arse/

(Asshole Rating Self-Exam, n.d.; BNET Book Brief, n.d.; Sutton, 2010)

The No A-hole Rule

• Mean-spirited people do massive damage to victims and bystanders

• Devastating effects

• Coworkers, family, friends suffer ripple effect

• The a-hole are victims of his/her own action

• Cost damage to the organization

• Damage to the organizations reputation

(Sutton, 2010)

Why Every Workplace Needs the No A-hole Rule

“Bullying is a big issue for both children and adults because there are some very real mental, emotional and physical health problems that can result. Victims of bullying can experience depression, anxiety and stress.” (KHTV, n.d.)

Real stories:

Video: ABC News

Video: Walmart-CBC

True Stories

• Workplace bullying is a serious problem

• Victims of bullying can be found in all walks of life

• Even though someone may not be the victim of a bully does not mean he or she is not involved. Everyone feels the impact!

• Prevention is possible with more understanding and education

• Although there are not laws set to prevent bullying, there are steps that can be taken to combat it.

Conclusion

ALIS - Tip Sheets. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://alis.alberta.ca/ep/eps/tips/tips.html?EK=11608Asshole Rating Self-Exam (ARSE) - Are You A Certified Asshole? - A Service of Electric Pulp. (n.d.).

Retrieved from http://electricpulp.com/guykawasaki/arse/Brooke, J. (2014). The effects of a workplace bully. Chron. Retrieved from: smallbusiness.chron.comBullying Legislation - Bullying Laws - Anti-Bullying Legislation in the United States. (n.d.). Retrieved

fromhttp://legalcareers.about.com/od/careertrends/a/Bullying-Legislation.htmBullying Statistics (2013). Workplace Bullying. Retrieved from:

www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/workplace-bullying.htmlCCOHS. Bullying in the Workplace : OSH Answers. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2014, from

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/bullying.htmlDe Guzman, ML. (2012) Profile of a workplace bully. Canadian Occupational Health and Safety.

ohscomply.com. Retrieved from: www.cos-mag.com/.../HR-Stories/profile-of-a-workplace-bully.htmlFowler, J. (2012). Financial Impacts of Workplace Bullying. Investopedia. Retrieved from:

www.investopedia.com/.../financial-impacts-of-workplace-bullying.aspxFrequently Asked Questions | Workplace Bullying Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.workplacebullying.org/faq/Indicators You May Be a Target of Workplace Bullying | Workplace Bullying Institute. (n.d.).

Retrieved from http://www.workplacebullying.org/individuals/problem/early-signs/Kane, S. (n.d.). True Stories of Workplace Bullying. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from http://

legalcareers.about.com/od/careertrends/a/Bullying-Stories.htmKane, S. (n.d.-a). Types of bullying in the workplace. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from

http://legalcareers.about.com/od/careertrends/a/Types-Of-Bullying.htmKane, S. (n.d.-b). Workplace bullying - Bullying facts and figures. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from

http://legalcareers.about.com/od/careertrends/a/Workplace-Bullying-Bullying-Facts-And-Figures.htm

References

KTHV. (n.d.). How to deal with workplace bullying. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from http://www.thv11.com/story/news/local/thv-this-morning/2014/05/21/workplace-bullying/9365597/

Namie, G., & Namie, R. (n.d.). Are you being bullied at work? | Workplace Bullying Institute. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from http://www.workplacebullying.org/individuals/problem/being-bullied/

Namie, G. (n.d.) Who gets targeted why me? The Workplace Bullying Institute. Retrieved from: www.workplacebullying.org/individuals/problem/who-gets-targ

Richardson, L. (May 11, 2014). Bullies can make a workplace toxic | Business Desk. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from http://news.fredericksburg.com/business/2014/05/11/bullies-can-make-a-workplace-toxic/

Sutton, R. I. (2010). The no asshole rule: building a civilized workplace and surviving onethat isn’t (1st trade ed.). New York: Business Plus.

Tim Field Foundation. (n.d.). Most people only realize they’re being bullied when they read this page; what is bullying, how to recognise bullies and injury to health. Bully Online. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from http://bullyonline.org/workbully/amibeing.htm

Van Dusen, A. (March 24, 2008). Ten Signs You’re Being Bullied At Work - Forbes. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from http://www.forbes.com/2008/03/22/health-bullying-office-forbeslife-cx_avd_0324health.html

Workplace Bullying - Bullying Facts and Figures. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://legalcareers.about.com/od/careertrends/a/Workplace-Bullying-Bullying-Facts-And-Figures.htm

Workplace Bullying - Bullying Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/workplace-bullying.html

Workplace bullying is legal, but here are 4 ways you can stop it - Baltimore Business Journal. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2014/01/01/some-workplace-bullying-is-legal-but.html?page=all

VideosBNET Book Brief: The No Asshole Rule - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS2GBq5lKAU Bully Free At Work: The Facts on Workplace Bullying - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2014, from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-q2VRAxjh8 David Allen - Work Place Bullying - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FtC0Ndomjk Workplace Bullying - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2014, from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAgg32weT80 Workplace Bullying at Wal-Mart-CBC - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2014, from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVj4_JVsTJw&index=1&list=PL948A16671105EF89

Photo creditsImages For Physical Bullying Clipart (n.d.). Retrieved from http://

imgkid.com/physical-bullying-clipart.shtml No-bullying clip art - vector clip art online, royalty free & public domain. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://

www.clker.com/clipart-no-bullying-1.html Workplace Bullying | Bullying Lawyer | Omaha Lincoln Personal Injury. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://

www.justiceyoudeserve.com/workplace-bullying.html