Workplace Bullying Definition

What Is Workplace Bullying?

Workplace Bullying Definition

Millions of American workers, reportedly 1 in 4, suffer from workplace bullying, an epidemic form of abuse which is directly linked to severe anxiety, depression, and debilitating physical harm. The vast majority of these targets are unprotected and have no legal recourse. For many, the only hope is to quit and face chronic unemployment. While there are many different definitions of workplace bullying, most agree that it is a pattern of repeated – often subtle – psychological harassment. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) describes it as:

Persistent, offensive, abusive, intimidating or insulting behavior or unfair actions directed at another individual, causing the recipient to feel threatened, abused, humiliated or vulnerable. Workplace bullies and targets may be employees, clients or vendors of the affected organization. [Click here to learn more..]

One of the best handouts with information about what workplace bullying is and how to deal with it can be downloaded here: [Link]

Watch excerpts from the Keynote Presentation at the National Workplace Bullying Conference by Catherine Mattice, Author and President of Civility Partners [Link]

What Can Employers & Employees Do?

Brad Holland is the University of Virginia Ombudsman who is featured in What Killed Kevin. In order to raise awareness within the UVa Community Holland arranged for Val Cade, a workplace consultant and author of Bully Free at Work, to come to campus to conduct a seminar on the topic. Below are outtakes from their interviews that begin the discussion about the role of the employer and how employees can better protect themselves in abusive situations.