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The prevalence and impact of workplace bullying in Australia
has only recently been explored. Research suggests that
between 25 to 50 percent of employees will experience bullying
at some time of their working lives, although in some occupations
the figure is as high as 95 percent1. While many workers
will not become a direct victim of bullying, they will
almost certainly experience the negative impact of working
in an environment marred by the bullying of colleagues.
The fallout of bullying is widespread, impacting not only
on bullying victims, but also bystanders and the organisation.
Victims of bullying are likely to suffer such impacts as
a loss of self esteem and confidence through to depression
and post-traumatic stress disorder. One overseas study
reported three-quarters of victims of long-term bullying
showed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, including
65 percent where the actual bullying had ceased five years
before2.
Bystanders are likely to experience a range of negative
emotions including fear they might be the next victim,
guilt for not having intervened and anger and resentment
at having been intimidated by the bully. The economic and
legal impacts of bullying on an organisation are enormous,
particularly when indirect costs, such as the erosion of
employee loyalty and commitment and management time in
addressing these issues, are taken into account.
It is therefore imperative for employers to promote a
clear message that workplace bullying is unacceptable.
Employers should also ensure all staff are aware of anti-bullying
policies and procedures, know the reporting process and
understand that their reports will be dealt with in a proper
manner. Personal Safety Australia aims to assist organisations
in this process with services including:
| References: |
| 1 Beyond Bullying Association 2008, ‘Bullying
Facts and Figures (online) Available http://www.connectqld.org.au
[Accessed 23 January 2008]. |
| Purpose: |
To equip, empower and inspire clients
with an awareness of workplace bullying dynamics and
strategies to address bullying behaviour appropriately
and prevent it from occurring/re-occurring.
|
| Duration: |
2 hours
|
| Target audience: |
Staff and managers of all levels
|
| Participant numbers: |
Up to 50 participants
|
| Learning objectives: |
On completion of this awareness session,
participants will be able to demonstrate an awareness
of:
- Employer and
employee obligations regarding workplace bullying
- Strategies
for targets (employees experiencing bullying),
bystanders and employers to effectively address
workplace bullying
- Strategies
for employers and employees to prevent workplace
bullying.
|
| Learning methods: |
Lecture-style presentation with visual aids. Participants
will have the opportunity to ask questions.
|
| Further information: |
Further information regarding this workshop can
be accessed by visiting the Member
Login section or by contacting
us.
|
| Purpose: |
To equip, empower and inspire clients
with essential knowledge and skills to effectively
deal with workplace bullying and to prevent bullying
behaviour from re-occurring or contaminating a healthy
workplace.
|
| Duration: |
1 day (approximately 8 hours including meal breaks)
|
| Target audience: |
Staff and managers of all levels
|
| Participant numbers: |
Up to 20 participants
|
| Learning objectives: |
On completion of this workshop, participants
will be able to:
- Define bullying
behaviour
- Describe examples
of bullying behaviour
- Understand
the impact of bullies
- Recognise
various types of bullies
- Outline employer,
employee and bystander obligations regarding
workplace bullying
- Explore strategies
for targets (employees experiencing bullying
behaviour), bystanders and employers to effectively
address bullying behaviour
- Explore strategies
for employers, bystanders and employees to prevent
bullying behaviour
- Apply appropriate
bullying intervention and prevention strategies
to a range of situations.
|
| Learning methods: |
Class and group activities including role-plays,
case studies, brainstorming, discussion and other interactive
methods.
|
| Further information: |
Further information regarding this workshop can
be accessed by visiting the Member
Login section or by contacting
us.
|
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Safety Services
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