Bullying at work affects far more individuals than you might think. At least one in three persons in the work force in the United States will be bullied by coworker during their working life. It isn’t just the person being bullied that this affects. Other co workers, supervisors, and the company all are affected by people that are guilty of bullying in workplace.
Perhaps you are wondering what exactly constitutes workplace bullying? It can show up in a variety of ways, some are so subtle, you may not even know that it is happening to the person in the cubicle next to you. In fact, it could be happening to you but you just don’t know it.
Any form of verbal abuse that one person within the company directs as another is considered bullying in workplace as is any form of behavior or conduct that is offensive. This could be nonverbal, but still leaves the individual feeling either threatened, intimidated or even humiliated. In addition, any form of sabotage that leads to work not being completed as needed, including simply interfering with regular work-related duties, is also classified as workplace bullying.
Consistent bullying at work leads to many physical ailments such as hypertension and depression. In fact, it can even lead to anxiety issues and PTSD if continued for any length of time.
Not only does this lead to having the job of the bullied being compromised, but it ends up costing everyone. The company is going to have to pay sick leave, insurance companies end up paying for medical care which increases premiums, and it is technically possible that taxpayers will end up paying for disability for those who are so traumatized they can no longer be employed.
Bullying at work affects everyone, whether you work at that particular company or not.
