Bullying in the workplace can have a significant impact on employee mental health and productivity.

Workplace bullying can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, as well as physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach issues, and sleep disturbances. These effects can lead to decreased productivity and a higher likelihood of absenteeism, making it a serious issue for employers to address.

One way bullying can manifest in the workplace is through verbal or physical abuse from a coworker or supervisor. Workplace bullying can also take the form  of social exclusion, or spreading rumors and gossip. Regardless of the form it takes, it can create a toxic work environment that affects the well-being of all employees.

So how do we address this problem? Read on to learn some of the best ways your workplace can start solving it right now!

Anti-Bullying Measure for Management

Ending bullying starts at the top. Here are some ways your leadership can lead the way to a safer workplace.

Have a clear anti-bullying policy in place that is easily accessible to all employees: A clear policy sets expectations for appropriate behavior, and provides employees with a framework for how to report and address incidents of bullying. It should be clearly communicated to all employees and be easily accessible, such as being posted on the company’s intranet or in the employee handbook.

Provide training for employees on what constitutes bullying and how to prevent it: Training can help employees identify bullying behaviors and understand the impact it can have on colleagues and the work environment. It can also provide employees with the skills and knowledge to effectively communicate and resolve conflicts in a respectful manner.

Take a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and take swift and appropriate action when an incident is reported: It is important that employers take all reports of bullying seriously, and take appropriate action to address the situation. Conducting a thorough investigation, taking disciplinary action if necessary, and providing support for the victim are all ways to help combat workplace bullying and harassment in your workplace.

Provide resources such as counseling services or an Employee Assistance Program for employees affected by bullying: It is important to provide employees with support and resources to help them cope with the effects of bullying. Resources can include access to counseling services, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), or other mental health resources.

Create a positive and inclusive work environment through appropriate communication and conflict resolution: A positive and inclusive work environment can help prevent bullying from occurring in the first place. Employers can promote this type of environment through appropriate communication and conflict resolution training, as well as by fostering an atmosphere of respect and understanding among employees.

Anti-Bullying Measures for Workers

Employees also play an important role in addressing bullying in the workplace. Here are some steps employees can take to address bullying.

Speak up: If you witness or experience bullying, it is important to speak up. Report the incident to your supervisor or Human Resources department. If you feel uncomfortable speaking to someone within the company, consider talking to a union representative, or an external counselor or advocate.

Document the incident: Keep a record of the incident, including the date, time, and what was said or done. Records will be useful when making a report to the company.

Seek support: If you are being bullied, it is important to seek support from friends, family, or a counselor. These individuals can provide emotional support, and help you navigate the process of addressing the bullying.

Stand up for yourself: Bullies often target people they perceive as weak or vulnerable. By standing up for yourself in a calm and assertive manner, you can show the bully that their behavior is not acceptable, and that you will not tolerate it.

Take care of yourself: Bullying can take a toll on your mental and physical health, so it’s important to take care of yourself. This can include getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in regular physical activity.

Create a support network: Surrounding yourself with supportive coworkers can help you feel less alone and more empowered. It can also provide a sense of community and belonging, which can help to counteract the negative effects of bullying.

Participate in anti-bullying initiatives: Many companies have initiatives in place to address bullying in the workplace. Participating in these initiatives can help to raise awareness and create a positive change in the work environment.

In conclusion, workplace bullying is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on employee mental health and productivity.

Employers have a responsibility (and the ability) to address this issue and create a positive and inclusive work environment for all employees. Meanwhile, employees should advocate for themselves and each other, and take steps to protect their mental wellness both at work and at home. Together, we can all stop bullying in its tracks.

For more advice on how to build a resilient business through fair treatment for all, talk to ReStart. We can guide you towards resources that suit your business’ specific needs and assist you with finding opportunities to help your team grow in positive ways, without bias or bullying.

Book your free appointment today to get started with ReStart!