Page 128 - May 2018 - December 2018 Issue

Stop Bullying

at Work

By Erica San Diego, Human Resources
and Administration

Based on the Republic Act No. 10627, known as the “Anti-Bullying Act How can bullying affect an Individual?
2013,” Bullying, is defined as any severe or repeated use by one or more
person of a written, verbal or electronic expression, physical act or People who are the targets of bullying may experience a range of
gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another person that effects. These reactions include:
has the effect of causing or placing the latter in reasonable fear of Shock
physical or emotional harm. Anger
Feelings of frustration and/or helplessness
Bullying is usually seen as acts or verbal comments that could ‘mentally’ Increased sense of vulnerability
hurt or isolate a person in the workplace. Sometimes, bullying can Loss of confidence
involve negative physical contact as well. Bullying usually involves Physical symptoms such as:
repeated incidents or a pattern of behavior that is intended to Inability to sleep
intimidate, offend, degrade or humiliate a particular person or group of Loss of appetite
people. It has also been described as the assertion of power through Psychosomatic symptoms such as:
aggression. Stomach pains
Headaches
Anyone in the working world knows that bullies pop up on more than Panic or anxiety, especially about going to work
just playgrounds: They also can be found in the workplace. Family tension and stress
Inability to concentrate
Workplace bullying can take various forms. Bullies may constantly Low morale and productivity
criticize their peers or their subordinates, they may yell at employees in How can bullying affect the workplace?
front of other colleagues or they may gossip about, pick on or ignore Bullying affects the overall “health” of an organization. An “unhealthy”
certain workers. Regardless of the form bullying takes, company workplace can have many effects. In general, these include:
leadership must prevent such behavior and make the workplace a safe Increased absenteeism
place for all employees. Increased turnover
Increased stress
Workplace bullying is more than simply an interpersonal conflict—it can Increased costs for Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), recruitment,
be a systemic problem that arises in the context of a poor workplace etc.
culture. It is best dealt with by taking steps to prevent workplace Increased risk for accidents / incidents
bullying long before it undermines individuals’ well-being or workplace Decreased productivity and motivation
relationships or becomes a risk to health and safety—and the most Decreased morale
effective way to do this is by fostering a culture in which bullying Reduced corporate image and customer confidence
behavior is unlikely to thrive. All members of a workplace, including Poor customer service
managers, play a role in preventing and managing bullying at work. What are some general tips for the workplace?
DO
Examples of Bullying: ENCOURAGE everyone at the workplace to act towards others in a
respectful and professional manner.
■ Excluding or isolating someone socially. HAVE a workplace policy in place that includes a reporting system.
■ Intimidating a person. EDUCATE everyone that bullying is a serious matter.
■ Undermining or deliberately impeding a person’s work. TRY TO WORK OUT solutions before the situation gets serious or “out of
■ Physically abusing or threatening abuse. control”.
■ Removing areas of responsibilities without cause. EDUCATE everyone about what is considered bullying, and whom they
■ Constantly changing work guidelines. can go to for help.
■ Establishing impossible deadlines that will set up the individual to TREAT all complaints seriously, and deal with complaints promptly and
fail. confidentially.
■ Withholding necessary information or purposefully giving the TRAIN supervisors and managers in how to deal with complaints and
wrong information. potential situations. Encourage them to address situations promptly
■ Making jokes that are ‘obviously offensive’ by spoken word or e-mail. whether or not a formal complaint has been filed.
■ Intruding on a person’s privacy by pestering, spying or stalking. HAVE an impartial third-party help with the resolution, if necessary.
■ Assigning unreasonable duties or workload which are unfavorable DO NOT
to one person (in a way that creates unnecessary pressure). DO NOT IGNORE any potential problems.
■ Underwork – creating a feeling of uselessness. DO NOT DELAY resolution. Act as soon as possible.
■ Yelling or using profanity. “Show respect to people who don’t deserve it; not as a reflection of their
■ Criticizing a person persistently or constantly. character, but as a reflection of yours” – Dave Willis
■ Belittling a person’s opinions.
■ Unwarranted (or undeserved) punishment. Sources:
■ Blocking applications for training, leave or promotion. https://elegal.ph/republic-act-no-10627-the-anti-bullying-act/
■ Tampering with a person’s personal belongings or work equipment. https://www.ehstoday.com/training/5-strategies-combat-workplace-bully
ing
https://www.apsc.gov.au/5-preventing-bullying-work
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/bullying.html

127 | SAFETY