When we think of bullying, often the first image that comes to mind is children on the playground. However, adult professionals in the workplace bullying one another is more common than one may think. Not only does it occur, but the statistics are overwhelming.
One of the main differences between playground bullying and workplace bullying is that the former tends to be more physically harmful, while the latter harms more on a verbal and psychological level. Though stress often runs rampant in the workplace, workplace bullying goes beyond regular workplace stress.
An Epidemic of Sorts
According to research conducted by the University of Phoenix, almost 75 percent of employees that were surveyed reported having been affected by workplace bullying, either as a target or a witness of it. According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, workplace bullying is the repeated, health-harming mistreatment of someone. It is abusive conduct that is threatening, humiliating, or intimidating, and interferes with work performance.
It is important to note that incivilities and rudeness hardly ever trigger stress in the people who experience them. It is not considered bullying unless the bully does something to the target. However, inadvertent social mistakes, which are also not done for the sole purpose of affecting another person, do not qualify as bullying, according to the Institute. Research by the Workplace Bullying Institute also found that surprisingly, targets of bullying are often the veteran and most skilled worker in their group.
Consequences of Bullying
The consequences of workplace bullying are often more serious than that of hurt feelings. It can threaten the target’s very economic livelihood, and the livelihood of the target’s family. According to the research conducted, the survey revealed that 12 percent of those who were the targets of rudeness or disrespect in the workplace wished to leave their jobs. However, according to Workplace Bullying Institute research, 66 percent of targets that experienced bullying had to either give up or lose their job for the bullying to cease.
Workplace bullying may be related to a form of harassment or discrimination, which is subject to legal recourse. Employers have a legal duty to ensure that their employees are protected. When an employer fails to protect their employees, they may often be held vicariously liable for the damages that their employee sustained.
Bucks County Employment Discrimination Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Help Workers Fight Workplace Discrimination
If you or a loved one has been the victim of discrimination in the workplace, you deserve an attorney who understands the law and will fight for what is in your best interest. The Bucks County employment discrimination lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. will work to do just that. For a free consultation and to learn more, contact the firm at 215-569-1999 or contact us online today. Located in Philadelphia, we proudly serve clients from the surrounding areas, including Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.
