Enterprises TV Takes a Look at Office Bullying

A recent poll by CareerBuilder found that 28% of Americans said they had been bullied at work. Enterprises TV ooks at who is being bullied, what defines bullying and what to do if you think you are being a victim of office bullying.

The poll found that disabled people felt they were bullied the most, followed by lesbian, gay and transgendered workers. More women than men felt they were bullied and a third reported the incident, compared to a lower percent of men. Lower paid and less educated workers say they have been bullied than higher income employees.

Office bullying cost companies money. Some victims leave their job and the turnover to hire a new worker raises the costs for that company. And if the bullied worker files a hostile work environment claim or sexual harassment claim, the business’ cost is even more. The Enterprises TV show shares some of the more common types of office bullying and the percentage of those who reported it. (source: CareerBuilder)

• Falsely accused of mistakes the worker didn't make (43 percent)
• Comments were ignored, dismissed or not acknowledged (41 percent)
• A different set of standards or policies was used for the worker (37 percent)
• Gossip was spread about the worker (34 percent)
• Constantly criticized by the boss or co-workers (32 percent)
• Belittling comments were made about the person's work during meetings (29 percent)
• Yelled at by the boss in front of co-workers (27 percent)
• Purposely excluded from projects or meetings (20 percent)
• Credit for the person's work was stolen (20 percent)
• Picked on for race, gender, appearance or other personal attributes (20 percent)

What can a bullied employee do?

Ask the bully to stop. If he or she continues with the harassing behavior, speak to HR or the boss about it. If the boss is the bully or does nothing to stop the bully, consider resigning from the job. If you hear the bully picking on someone unfairly, speak up. And speak up in meetings. There are workplace protections for employees when it comes to a bully creating a hostile work environment, and from supervisors or bosses who threaten a job for reporting a bully.

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