Workplace harassment
Vol. 166, Sept. 16, 2012
The numbers of people being targeted by workplace bullying are exploding according to the Workplace Bullying Institute’s report “Effectiveness of Bullied Target Resolution Strategies, April, 2012”. According to their research 58% of the 1,604 employees surveyed say they are being bullied currently and 39% said they have been bullied. Of those being bullied 79.2% are women and 20.8% are male. Interestingly enough 62.8% of those doing the bullying are female and 37.2% were male. Regardless of what was done to stop the mistreatment 54% of all respondents said that the interventions were ineffective with the bullying continuing. Forty-one percent of women targeted for bullying quit and another 25% were terminated which includes those who were forced out of their jobs. Sadly the effectiveness of telling a boss or going to human resources was as ineffective as doing nothing stopping the bullying 3% of the time. Sadly 75% of those being bullied are of higher rank, 18% are of the same rank and 7% are of a lesser rank.
The largest part of the problem is that unless you are the one being targeted it is difficult to realize. This is a terrible situation for employees to be put into sinking them into a very low emotional state decreasing the job performance, killing moral at work and worse of all creating health issues such as: cardiovascular problems, an impaired immune system, debilitating anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. This means higher absenteeism. Forty-five percent of those being bullied suffer some sort stress related health problem. Bullying is a larger problem than sexual harassment.
For the company it means difficulty with moral and recruitment as word gets around that people are leaving in droves. Less workplace commitment along with increased workers’ comp claims increase cost to companies.
How do you know if you are being bullied? 10 Signs You are being bullied from Forbes Magazine:
1) You will feel anxious, maybe feeling like throwing up the night before your workweek starts.
2) Being constantly criticized by your boss or co-worker despite your history of competence at your job.
3 )Many instances where the bully is frequently yelling at you or insulting and humiliating you in front of others.
4 )Your boss or co-worker constantly refers to prior mistakes of yours without and constructive reason.
5) Spreading destructive gossip and lies about you.
6) You feel singled out by your boss or co-workers by having your desk moved or not being invited to meetings or even lunch.
7) All your time off is being spent on mental health days or your days off feeling lifeless or your family members showing frustration with you obsessing about work.
8) Having your work sabotaged by changing the rules, or performing task not critical to your success.
9) A boss that is changing your schedule knowing that it will conflict with your out of work activities making your life more difficult.
10) Your boss or co-worker stealing credit for your work
The first thing you need to do is stay calm because the bully is looking to get a reaction from you. Document the actions that the bully is taking against you so you can report it. If the bully is really impacting you negatively tell them that you have no interest in interacting with them and that they are on a strictly work based relationship.
For your own mental health journal about your feelings to get them out. Spend time with people who love and care about you. Focus you attention on them. And by all means, do those things that bring you joy and contentment. Tell you co-workers bosses and human resources your story while managing your emotions.
If things are getting out of hand and your employer seems to condone this sort of negative behavior the best response may be to leave your job for your own health and sanity.
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About Suzanne
Suzanne Kellner-Zinck founded Dawning Visions Hypnosis in 2002, She has become an innovator in the use of hypnotism and neuro-linguistic programming in the areas of obsessive compulsive disorders such as: eating disorders, sexual addiction and substance abuse as well as working with those with anxiety and mood disorders.
Her clients have come to work with her from across the United States and as far away as Africa to help them to finally be freed from these emotional issues that once ruled their lives. Today she is in the process of bringing her work to many more in the form of ebooks and other downloadable formats.
She is a member of American Holistic Medical Association and the American College for Advancement in Medicine.
Prior to founding Dawning Visions Hypnosis, Kellner-Zinck worked within vendor programs for the mentally ill working to help them to live up to their fullest potential. Many of her previous clients were able to move out on their own and find fulfilling work.
Kellner-Zinck is a Certified Trainer of Hypnosis and Neuro-Linguistic programing through Tad James Company, Inc. and a Master Hypnotist and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming through Advanced Neuro Dynamics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and political studies from Curry College.
Dawning Visions Hypnosis is teaching people that they can indeed leave their unwanted behaviors behind as they move forward to living fulfilling and joy filled lives.