IB Woman
Issue No. 13 - October/November 2003
Workplace Bullying
Bullying is not the preserve of the schoolyard and, indeed, children who bully generally become adults who bully unless early intervention strategies are utilised.
The insidious problem of workplace bullying is one that should concern all employers and certainly concerns departments such as WorkCover, Workplace Services and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
It has been estimated that workplace bullying costs Australia between $6 billion and $13 billion annually. A recent study by Health Works found that 85% of employees had been victims of or witnessed bullying and less than half of employers had a written policy on bullying. However, whilst it is preferable for workplaces to have a policy on bullying, it must also be communicated, understood and enforced.
Bullying can have a severe effect on the victim’s health and wellbeing with symptoms including severe stress, anxiety, sleep disturbance, concentration difficulties and raised blood pressure. The survey also found that intimidation (60%) was the most common form of bullying followed by humiliation (48%), ridicule (42%), insults (39%), offensive language and degradation (24%).
Now, a step—by—step guide available through WorkCover seeks to reduce the trauma and cost impact of bullying. ‘Workplace Bullying: Make a Difference’ is a practical approach to tackling bullying that has been developed by the Working Women’s Centre through a WorkCover grant.
‘The guide takes a step—by—...
