Workplace Bullying: Will The Denial Ever End?

It’s rampant. It rears its ugly head ever so often, unbeknownst to us.

- Dr Gurdeep Grewal

Yet, we remain blinded, ignorant or indifferent. Usually it is fear that keeps us silent and fail to stand up for ourselves or for a colleague who is being victimised. This is a serious plague that needs to be identified, acknowledged and eradicated. It is time employers put in place measures to protect their employees and enhance psychological wellness within the workplace.

In my practice, I frequently see the effects of workplace bullying and harassment. Patients are usually burnt out, clinically depressed and extremely anxious. It also puts a huge strain on one’s personal and family life. Entire families suffer, but this is unnoticed. Families become silent victims, having to endure the backlash of dealing with victims at home. A vast majority of these patients are ready to call it quits, with obvious serious financial and professional repercussions. Yet, the anguish and pain of being bullied is so severe that often, throwing in the towel seems to be the only way out. Adding to this dire situation is the fact that victims often find themselves without any support from the employer or peers who in turn fear for their own safety at the workplace.

FORMS OF WORKPLACE BULLYING

It must be reiterated repeatedly that any form of physical or sexual assault are criminal acts and hence there are clear pathways to seek help and justice for the victims. Bullying on the other hand, can be very subtle and has many blurred boundaries. Most of the time, the perpetrator is often someone of a higher rank (bosses obviously), but at times bullying may be among colleagues of similar hierarchy in an organisation. Listed below are some of the common forms of workplace bullying:

• Made to carry out meaningless tasks

• Being the subject of rumors or gossip