Workplace bullying: How common is it?

22nd February 2010 - The claims by the National Bullying Helpline that some Downing Street staff called it for help has caused political problems for Gordon Brown, and has put the problem of workplace bullying in the spotlight.

How common is workplace bullying, and what do we know about this issue, and the mental health effects it can cause?

What is workplace bullying?

Bullying isn’t always about physical violence. It can take the form of arguments and rudeness. The NHS says it can also be more subtle, excluding and ignoring people and their contribution, unacceptable criticisms and overloading people with work.

The Health and Safety Executive says bullying is a form of organisational violence and, if not dealt with properly, a potential source of work-related stress. It can go on for days, weeks or months affecting a person’s health.

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), which deals with employment disputes, defines bullying as “Offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, involving an abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.” It offers an advice leaflet for victims of bullying on its website.

The TUC says 18 million working days are lost each year due to bullying.

What are the mental health effects?

The mental health charity Mind defines it as “when someone persistently acts in a discriminatory way towards an employee which hurts, criticises or condemns them.”

People who are bullied can feel miserable. They can lose faith in their abilities, lose motivation and feel depressed and ill. Mind lists these physical symptoms of bullying:

• backache
• severe headaches
• sleeplessness
• feeling sick
• sweating and shaking
• stomach problems
• palpitations
• excessive thirst
• constant tiredness
• skin complaints
• loss of appetite

Mind also says the following psychological signs can be symptoms of bullying:

• acute anxiety
• panic attacks
• irritability
• mood swings
• tearfulness
• obsessiveness and withdrawal
• loss of self-esteem
• loss of interest in sex
• lack of motivation
• depression
• suicidal thoughts

What motivates a workplace bully?

Bullies can pick on people they perceive to be weak, but equally it can be a response to the bully being threatened by someone’s strengths. A bully may take out their anger or frustration on a colleague or someone they are in charge of.

Most bullies are in positions of authority, such as managers or supervisors. Reasons for being bullied can include race, gender or disability, being vulnerable, timid or unassertive, or ‘whistleblowing’ on unacceptable working practices.

What can you do if you are bullied at work?

Experts at the NHS advise people who feel they are being bullied to stay calm and seek help and not to just ignore it. Bullying is a serious matter which employers must take seriously. Talking to colleagues may help, and people may find a pattern of bullying affecting several people.

It can help if a diary has been kept logging bullying incidents, which builds up a pattern of behaviour over time.

Trade union representatives may be able to help; some firms have confidential helplines.

Mental health or anti-bullying charities may be able to offer guidance. Mind offers advice online about how to tackle and cope with bullying at work.

GPs can help with issues of depression and, if appropriate, referral to a counsellor.