From the Playground To the Boardroom: The Pervasive Destruction Of Workplace Bullying

By Deidra A. Sorrell, Ed.D, LPC, ACS

. https://www.synergywellnesstherapy.com/

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From the Playground To the Boardroom: The Pervasive Destruction Of Workplace Bullying

One in 10 professionals reported experiencing bullying in the workplace, according to the Workplace Bullying Institute. Similar to childhood bullying, workplace bullying is hostile and deliberate with the goal of destroying the victim. However, what makes workplace bullying unique is that the abuse is mostly psychological, interpersonal or social.

Workplace bullying is covert as it seeks to damage the reputation or trustworthiness of the professional. Workplace bullying can include the obvious (i.e. yelling), but it is typically more crafty through extreme social isolation, sabotage, spreading rumors, or even spying on the victim. Statistically, women of color are bullied the most in the workplace.

Typically, workplace bullying is “top down”, meaning that the boss or supervisor is the one who bullies his or her subordinates. However, horizontal bullying is the most covert because it involves one coworker bullying another coworker. How can professionals of an equal rank or level bully effectively bully another? The common denominator of workplace bullying is power. Workplace bullying only works when there is a real or perceived power imbalance. If one coworker has more power than the other, based on a friendship or other relationship with the boss, they might be able to use that power to abuse. Another characteristic of workplace bullying is that it is more than just dealing with the office “jerk” or boss who has high expectations for everyone. The bully in the workplace abuses their intended victim(s) to cause harm and ultimately have them removed from the workplace.

Even though workplace bullying is terribly unethical, it is legal and rarely results in the bully getting fired or receiving disciplinary action based on their behavior. What typically happens is the victim either resigns or voluntarily transfers away from the bullying environment. Even though many people in protected groups are protected by laws against workplace harassment, workplace bullying is that secret gray area that lends no legal protection.

Workplace bullying can be the trigger of mental health problems including anxiety, depression, and even suicidal intent among victims. Physical symptoms can range from high blood pressure to overall inflammation.

How do we control this cyclone of destruction? First, awareness of what workplace bullying is can be helpful in determining whether a problem exists. Second, professionals must have a low tolerance for bullying in the workplace. Victims should report these offenses to human resources or even an attorney. Observers should not turn a blind eye to the bullying or join in out of fear. Observers should support the victim by simply being kind to them.

Lastly, it is important for everyone to educate themselves on the problem of workplace bullying. The Workplace Bullying Institute (www.workplacebullying.org) is the premier resource for more information about workplace bullying. While support is important, changes in policy makes the most difference. Please check out www.workplacebullying.org to find out how you can support the healthy workplace bill to stop workplace abuse.