Answer to Question #314188 in English for Happiness

Question

In your opinion state three long term effects of workplace bullying and discuss three ways in which one can deal with the effects

Answer 1

Workplace bullying refers to a persistent mistreatment that occurs in the workplace. It can include behaviours such as verbal criticism, personal attacks, humiliation, belittling, and exclusion.

The long term effects include;

1) Health risks - Being a victim of bullying can cause physical and psychological health problems, including: Higher blood pressure, Mood changes, Panic attacks, Stress, Ulcers, and Worry among others.

People who are bullied at work may also experience other physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and changes in appetite. It can also impact sleep quality and duration.  Bullying in the workplace can increase the risk for negative physical health effects and lead to decreased mental well-being for both the victims of bullying and their co-workers.

2) Bullied workers cannot perform their jobs to the best of their ability. Performance issues include: an incapacity to work or concentrate, a loss of self-esteem, having trouble making decisions, and lower productivity. Bullied workers not only lose motivation, they lose time because they are preoccupied with: avoiding the bully, networking for support, planning how to deal with the situation, ruminating about the situation, trying to defend themselves.

3) Workplace bullying leads to end of careers. Some people at their entry level once bullied they lose interest in the career and end up having a disgusted life.

Three ways in which one can deal with the effects include;

1) Setting boundaries: When a bully engages in abusive behaviour, tell them what they have done and that such behaviour is unacceptable. Let them know that their behaviour will not be tolerated and that if it occurs again, you will take action. Setting boundaries lets others know what type of behaviour you are willing to accept. 

2) Confronting the behaviour: Once you establish a boundary, it is essential to follow through with the consequences. If the abuse, call out the behaviour the next time it happens. Ask them to leave until they are able to behave in a professional, work-appropriate manner. 

3) Keep track of the abuse: Whenever you feel that you have been bullied at work, document the details including the time and exactly what happened. Write down any witnesses who were present and save any documents or records that can corroborate the abuse.

4) Talk to management or human resources: If you've tried resolving the bullying on your own without success, it is time to involve your employer. Check with your workplace employee handbook to learn more about what steps you will need to take to file a complaint.