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As part of Anti-Bullying Week 2021, it is important to highlight that bullying is not just a school problem — adults are also affected by bullying. In fact, the bullying culture among adults in the workplace can be quite significant, especially in certain professional settings. For example, there has been an increase in bullying in the medical and teaching professions in recent years.
If workplace bullying is not dealt with effectively, it can lead to an increase in absence due to stress and anxiety.
The Cost of Workplace Bullying
A study conducted in 2020 by SME Loans revealed that 23% of the British workforce have been bullied at work. A further study on RTE News Ireland in 2021 found that workplace bullying costs Ireland €239 million every year.
The fact that many individuals in certain professions are signed off work each week because of bullying is unacceptable. Everyone has a right to expect respect and dignity at work and there are steps that employers can take to prevent workplace bullying. Primarily, employers need to ensure they follow the appropriate code of practice on workplace bullying in their country of residence, which is a legal requirement.
Types of Bullying Behaviour
Workplace bullying takes many forms. Employers and employees should look out for the following types of behaviour which may indicate bullying in the workplace:
- Spreading lies and gossip.
- Singling out an individual as the target of jokes.
- Physical or emotional harassment.
- Deliberately ignoring or isolating an individual.
- Giving an individual an unmanageable workload.
What You Can Do
If you feel you or a colleague may be the target of bullying in the workplace, you can take the following steps:
- Consult the procedures in your workplace anti-bullying policy, if one is in place.
- Keep a written record of every instance of bullying. Note down dates, times and details of what occurred and include the names of those who were present.
- Tell someone you trust. This is more for support than anything else.
- If possible, let the bully know that their behaviour is not acceptable and needs to stop.
- Finally, approach your manager and the HR department to report what is going on. They have a duty of care to take action to tackle bullying.
Remember — bullying in the workplace should not be tolerated. It needs to be dealt with swiftly whenever and wherever it occurs.
Bullying Resources
Bullying — A Complete Approach
Contains hints and tips for teachers, parents and young people to enable them to identify and tackle bullying.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 1999
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 94
Bullying in the Workplace
This pack provides guidance for companies on tackling workplace bullying, supporting the targets of bullying and ensuring the wellbeing of staff.
- Category: Business
- Published: 2020
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 50
Bullying Lesson Plans
Bullying and Cyberbullying
This lesson plan covers how to deal with bullying and cyberbullying and contains handouts for the classroom.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2019
- Last revised: 2021
- Pages: 15
Bullying
This covers bullying, the types of bullying, the bully, the target and how to tackle bullying.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2019
- Last revised: 2021
- Pages: 13
Playground Bullying
A lesson plan on playground bullying, the issues caused and addressing the topic.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2022
- Pages: 17
Free Bullying Resources
Anti-Bullying Policy For Workplaces
A free template to help you develop your own anti-bullying policy for your workplace.
- Category: Business
- Pages: 8
Free Download
Anti-Bullying Policy For Schools
A free template to help you develop your own anti-bullying policy for your school.
- Category: Schools
- Pages: 8
Free Download
Targets of Bullying
This free download covers what a bully is and the targets of bullying. See our resource pack 'Bullying — A Complete Approach' for a more comprehensive discussion on bullying, including worksheets, activities and lessons.
- Category: Schools
- Pages: 6
Free Download