Workplace bullying is akin to workplace harassment, but more specifically it focuses on such actions as verbal abuse, intimidation or work interference or sabotage perpetrated by one individual towards another in the workplace.
Bullying can happen in many different situations. A recent U.S. study* showed that 71 per cent of bullies had a higher rank than their targets, 17 per cent were peers or colleagues and 12 per cent were ranked lower than their targets. Of that total, 58 per cent of bullies were women.
Bullying in the workplace can be demoralizing, scary, or worse, dangerous. If you are in a hostile workplace or the victim of workplace bullying, you need to know what you can do about it.
The Workplace Bullying Institute defines bullying as repeated, health-harming mistreatment of an individual that takes the form of verbal abuse, offensive conduct or behaviours, or interference that prevents work from being done. According to the WBI, approximately 35 per cent of the U.S. workforce reports being bullied.
Workplace bullying can provoke health issues, depression, low self-esteem and relationship problems. It is important to recognize the signs of workplace bullying, and know where to draw the line. One way to determine whether you may be a victim of workplace bullying is to take a self-assessment like the one provided by the Workplace Bullying Institute: http://www.workplacebullying.org/individuals/problem/definition.
Bullying may often stem from or take the form of discrimination. Bullies may discriminate against a person’s gender, race, religion or disability. Such treatment is both offensive and in the workplace it constitutes an abuse of an employee’s rights. Under Alberta labour laws, employers may not discriminate against employees for reasons of gender, race, religion or disability.
If you live in the greater Edmonton area and have been the victim of workplace bullying, contact the Lypkie Henderson Employment Law office to arrange a consultation.
Serving Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Sherwood Park, Beaumont, Bon Accord, Bruderheim, Calmar, Devon, Gibbons, Legal, Morinville, Redwater, Stony Plain And Strathcona County, Leduc County, Parkland County And Sturgeon County,
