Workplace Bullying

It is now becoming evident that bullying at all levels has a profound impact on individuals and organisations. Therapists are assisting increasing numbers of individuals who have been bullied at some level.

The Australian Productivity Commission estimates that bullying in the workplace costs the industry and the nation between $6 billion and $36 billion dollars per year.

Workplace bullying has now become a priority at some levels of the State and Commonwealth Governments as more and more cases of bullying result in severe psychological damage and or injury/death to individuals.

The media has brought bullying to the attention of the public and the community is now beginning to realise the insidious nature of bullying and the severe damage it has caused to organisations/individuals. This widespread phenomenon reaches all corners of the community. Schools, institutions, clubs, and social media are caught in the avalanche of bullying which is reflective of changing attitudes and values in our community.

From a research perspective, there have been few papers published in the area and bullying has only become a focus of research since the 1990s.

Problems that exist for governments, organisations and legislators are that no adequate definition of bullying exists. Recent activity and research over the past two decades have resulted in an increased understanding of “bullying”. In addition, recent reports provided by the Commonwealth of Australia have provided the professional community with a working definition of “Bullying in the workplace.”

Clinicians see the effects of bullying as increasing numbers of clients present with a range and severity of symptoms/problems. Some research suggests that approximately 50% of victims/targets acquire Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms, and further, many of these victims never return to the work environment.

Consultants in the Alliance have treated victims of bullying and have acquired knowledge about the organisational processes that are necessary to prevent bullying and manage the organisation/individuals involved in bullying before individuals are damaged and organisations become less effective and less efficient.

Interventions are multi-staged and require a holistic assessment of organisational policy, the behaviour of all staff and the effects on personal welfare and the productivity of the organisation.

The Alliance can provide organisations with services, including:

1. Education for Managers and staff in regard to Bullying with specificity around bullying behaviours, antecedents and interventions.

2. Online risk assessment measures and educational material(online or on the ground).

3. Mediation and investigations.

4. Clinical services for individuals affected by bullying.

5. People Management.

6. Training and development for Managers and staff.

Enquires about the services that consultants in the Alliance can offer in regard to workplace bullying can be directed to the central phone and email address of the Alliance.