Workplace bullying affects  the health and safety of  staff  by severely undermining their self-confidence and self-esteem.   It is often  difficult to speak up, especially if  it is perceived as part of the work  culture. 

If this culture is not dealt with, it can   damage  business efficiency, productivity and profitability through increased absenteeism, staff turnover and poor morale. But, most importantly, it comes at a cost to the business through an unsafe work environment, increased worker compensation claims and legal actions.  

In many workplaces, the culture of bullying has been ongoing  and often the offenders don’t see it for what  it is.  To them, it is normal behaviour, as they were treated badly and are then treating their subordinates in the same manner, without repercussion.  For some, the term is “toughen up”.

The question is, where  does  the bullying culture stem  from? Is it a     leadership issue?   Or   a management issue?  

In 2012, an online poll by the  Workplace Bullying Institute  asked: ‘‘Why does bullying in the workplace happen?’’  Of the respondents,   56per cent  related it to the work environment, 24per cent  to  the people,  and 20per cent said it was societal.

Generally, when bullying complaints are raised, the process is mediation, counselling  and, in more severe cases, legal intervention and industrial relations.   In extreme circumstance, the workers  can have their contracts  terminated  as  the workplace reinforces its  policies.  

But is this enough?  Do those actions resolve a culture that has existed and thrives in a workplace?  Is it not an indication of a deeper-rooted problem that needs to be solved through a process within the workplace, rather than the one-off actions following a complaint? 

Isn’t it time for workplaces to take responsibility,  as action is long overdue to change this culture?  The schools have been implementing programs for a few years and these children are then joining a workforce that is still  immersed  in the culture of bullying.  It almost seems like a fruitless exercise.

Workplace bullying is a safety issue that inflicts psychological injury, and  strips dignity and respect from its victims.  The offenders often continue  their  abuse and criminal behaviour.  Where does the duty of care come in?  When will workplaces  change this behaviour, even if only to  benefit  their business?

 Faith Eeson is a safety consultant