Bullying

Don't stay silent - essential advice if your workplace is a nightmare

New research has revealed that half of all managers have been bullied at work and the problem is only set to get worse.

Workplace intimidation is costing the economy £4 billion a year in sick leave, law suits, lost productivity and the price of replacing staff who have quit because of the problem.

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) claims that workplace bullying is growing.  They're hoping to urge businesses to take action and that the government will eventually make bullying illegal.

A survey of managers showed that most bullying was psychological and that middle managers are most at risk because they are being squeezed by staff who are now more aware of their employment rights.

Bullying takes several forms -  ranging from not passing on phone messages to verbal or even physical intimidation (normally public). Women are more likely than men to be bullied.

Facts from the Chartered Management Institute's research:

• 39% of all managers have been bullied in last three years
• Middle managers are the most likely to be bullied 
• A third of directors and 42 per cent of junior managers are victims
• 54% of women compared with 35% of men are bullied in the workplace
• Most common forms of bullying include verbal insults from a manager, followed by overloading of work and constant criticism

A survey carried out by Trade Union Congress (TUC) study showed:

• Businesses lose 18 million working days a year to the effects of bullying in the workplace.
• A total of two million people claim to have been victims of the practice in the last six months, with managers and supervisors named as the worst perpetrators.
• 5,000 workers discovered many victims take time off sick because their employers are unable to tackle the problem.
• 49% of middle managers have also suffered from bullying, most commonly at the hands of their own bosses.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "These figures suggest that there can be few workplaces in the UK without a resident bully.  But although bullying can destroy lives and have a damaging effect upon workplace morale, the overwhelming majority of employers seem unable to stop bullies in their tracks.''

He is calling on the Government to produce a new Dignity at Work bill, which would outlaw bullying and ensure workers had the protection of clear harassment and intimidation policies.

"All workplaces, whatever their size, should have a policy which states that harassment and intimidation is unacceptable and that those who delight in the victimisation of others will be treated severely.

"The victims of bullying need to be listened to and supported, not dismissed
as workplace wimps" said Mr Barber. 

What to do if you are being bullied

If you feel you are being singled out or bullied at work, you should not have to put up with it - there are steps you can take.

• First, speak to the bully. A direct approach is usually the best.  Tell the person that you find their behaviour unacceptable and ask them to stop.  This is sometimes all that is needed. Bullies do not like being confronted particularly by somenone who is calm and civilised.
  
  
• The majority of bullying goes on behind closed doors.  So tell a friend or work colleague. You may well find out you are not the only one who has suffered. It is important that you do not try to cope on your own.
  
  
• If you are in a union and there is a union safety rep where you work, tell them what is happening. This will be in confidence and does not mean that a formal complaint will automatically be made. A safety rep will only do what you want them to  and will give you the advice and support you need. 
  
  
• If you are in a union but it is not recognised where you work, call your local union office. The unmber will be on your membership card or in the local telephone directory. You will still get the legal advice and support you need. 
  
  
• If you are not already in a union - join one. You have every right to do so.  You do not have to tell your employers, byt if they find out, it is illegal for them to sack you or to cause you detriment. The union will listen to you and ensure you have the best advice. The union can give you free legal advice, support you, put you in touch with support groups and approach the employer on your behalf.
  
  
• Keep a diary. This will give a vital record of the nature of the bullying and when it occurred. It will be important when the bully is confronted. Many of the incidents may appear trivial in isolation so it is important to establish a pattern over a period of time.
  
  
• Tell your manager or supervisor. If it is one of them who is bullying you, go and tell their manager. Take your diary with you to back up what you have to say. They may not believe you but you have at least told them there is a bullying problem. 
  
  
• In the end you may have to make a formal complaint and go through the grievance procedure. If you do take this route, never go to a meeting connected with the complaint without your union rep or a friend as a witness.

Christine Pratt, who is featured on GMTV, was a victim of workplace bullying and has now set up her own company helping employers to deal with the same problems she encountered. To visit her website, go to www.bullyingbusiness.com or click on the link below.

Andrea Adams Trust

The Andrea Adams Trust works to reduce the incidence of workplace bullying by promoting a wider and deeper understanding of the issue. They promote the psychological good health of employees by providing a professional source of information, advice and specialist training.

Need urgent advice? Call the Andrea Adams Trust helpline on 01273 704900 (Lines open between 10.00-16.00) Mon-Fri.