According to new data, over half of men and women have quit or considered quitting a job due to bullying by a supervisor or co-worker.
A survey of more than 1,000 UK employees by the law firm Wright Hassall found that 1 in 2 women had experienced workplace bullying. This included unfair criticism, blame, insulting jokes and verbal abuse, such as shouting.
Women are more likely than men to have experienced being undermined in their career or work.
Nearly a quarter of people (23%) have been unfairly criticised or blamed.
22% of people experienced an abrupt email (25% of women and 18% of men).
One in ten workers report:
- They are offended by a joke (16%)
- Verbal abuse (13%), including shouting and insulting others at work. The most common age range to experience this is 25-54-year-olds.
- Women are more likely than men to feel excluded or isolated (13%).
- Rumours and false information about them (13%)
Tina Chander is the Head of Employment for Wright Hassall. She says that it is worrying to see 50% of people leaving or considering leaving a job because of bad behavior. With more women experiencing this type of behaviour, it’s not surprising more women are wanting to leave their role.
“Many workplaces try to brush off some of these behaviors such as abrupt email, isolation, or an offensive joke, but in reality, these are bullying behavior and more needs be done to improve the toxic culture at workplaces to ensure that people don’t suffer.”
Seven in ten (72%) of those who experienced workplace bullying did not report it. Among those who did, the age group most likely to report it was 18-34.
Nearly half (46%) of those who reported workplace bullying found that it was ignored, dismissed, or made worse. Over half of men (58%) found that the situation had been made worse or ignored compared to only 41% of females.
Tina said: “It’s sad that men are less likely to raise issues but that when they do they find that they’re ignored or worsened.” This alarming finding shows that workplaces must do more to accommodate everyone.
According to the survey, those aged over 55 reported the least bullying in their workplace. 64% of people aged 55-64 and 85% of people aged 64+ said they had not experienced these behaviors.
Tina continues: “It is unlikely that this age range has experienced less workplace harassment. It’s likely that younger people have a better understanding of workplace bullying.
“Training can be a part of the solution.” Organisations need to do more in order to create a culture that is widely accepted and to have processes in place for those who are experiencing harassment or bullying.
About End Workplace Bullying Day
The second annual End Workplace Bullying Day takes place on October 25. This is a day where HR teams are encouraged to be allies in the fight against bullying and harassment at work.
Wright Hassall encourages workplaces to get involved by scheduling time to discuss how to educate their employees about workplace bullying, and increasing support for those in need.
There is also a free, month-long helpline that employees and employers can call to receive advice on workplace bullying. The number is 01926 880711.
The first time this post appeared was on Human Resources News.
