Addressing workplace bullying
When we hear the word bullying, we tend to think of high school hallways and teenage movies, but there’s a version of it that induces that same type of anxiety in adults—workplace bullying. Not only does it create a toxic environment, it can also hurt productivity and morale. Understanding how to recognize and handle bullying is necessary for a healthy workplace. Let’s examine it closer, starting with what exactly workplace bullying is.
What is workplace bullying?
According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, “workplace bullying is repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more employees by other employees.” This can include verbal abuse, threats, work sabotage, or other intimidating, humiliating, or threatening behaviours. And guess what? It’s not just a rare occurrence. The 2024 WBI U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey shows that a staggering number of adults experience bullying at work, affecting millions of workers.
Now that we know what workplace bullying is, let’s talk about how leaders in your organization can recognize and tackle it effectively:
Five best practices from our experts
1. Training and education
The first step is awareness. Educate your staff about what counts as bullying and why it’s a real problem. Educate staff through training sessions, workshops, or even casual team conversations, as long as the message is passed along clearly and in a way that resonates with your company culture. The more people know, the better they can avoid being part of the problem or getting caught in the bullying crossfire.
2. Keep the communication open
Create a workplace where employees feel safe to talk about this issue. Encourage them to report any bullying they see or experience. Make it clear that their concerns will be taken seriously, and they will face no problems for speaking out. An open-door policy is welcome support for employees—so make it count and encourage them to speak up when someone is making them feel uncomfortable.
3. Be supportive
Fostering a supportive work culture is key. Build trust among team members and promote respect and inclusivity. Celebrate wins, encourage collaboration, and make sure everyone feels like a valued part of the team. When employees feel supported, they’re more likely to thrive and less likely to tolerate bullying, and this is the best way to create workplaces that encourage transparency and support employee wellbeing.
4. Lay down the rules (politely)
Having clear rules against bullying is a must. Make sure everyone knows the boundaries and what the consequences will be. These rules should be easy to find and updated regularly. These rules should be easy to find and updated regularly, as clear guidelines are like a roadmap for the office —keeping workers on track and ensuring everyone knows how to behave and what to expect from each other. Having workplace violence and harassment policies in place is essential, as they provide clear guidelines for detecting, mitigating, and managing such incidents.
5. Act swiftly and fairly
Report bullying immediately, investigate the situation, and treat all parties equitably. Address the behaviour directly with those involved and involve HR for the best game plan. Violence and harassment policies make a significant difference, providing managers with a step-by-step guide and ensuring fairness throughout the process. Prompt responses demonstrate the seriousness of workplace bullying allegations and the organizational commitment to maintaining a bully-free environment.
Let’s end workplace bullying together
Remember, creating a bully-free workplace isn’t just about following the rulebook—it’s about being a champion for positive and inclusive workplaces. Don’t wait for workplace bullying to become a bigger issue. Request a demo today and let’s build a healthier, happier workplace together!
Dealing with workplace bullying isn’t something you need to tackle on your own. At Citation Canada, our HR advisors are there to guide you through the steps required to address these challenges and implement proven strategies to prevent workplace bullying in the future. From crafting expert policies to providing effective training for your team, we offer the resources you need to end workplace bullying.