NEW MIND GUIDE CONFRONTS THE ‘CANCER’ OF WORK-PLACE BULLYING
Thursday 7th February 2002
"I used to be known as a confident high-flyer. Since he took over my confidence has been undermined and I feel under stress at work. He picks on me constantly; it seems nothing I ever do is right. I am always depressed both at work and at home now. It really can’t go on, but what can I do, I need this job."
Mind today launches a new booklet How to Deal with Bullying at Work that explains how and why bullying takes place in the workplace and what can be done about it.
Bullying at work is hard to measure, but is undoubtedly destructive and causes misery to thousands of men and women every working day. Put simply, workplace bullying means someone abusing his or her power or position to undermine an individual’s ability or to intimidate someone in a way that makes him or her vulnerable, angry and powerless.
Interestingly, the targets of bullying are often seen as more capable, successful and popular than the bully themselves. But it is a need to control others that primarily drives the bully. Most bullies are in positions of authority – managers or supervisors.
Because bullying is rarely confined to open abuse, it can be difficult to recognise and confront, particularly if the individual is being undermined by the behaviour. Mind’s new guide offers clear examples of open, hidden and even unconscious bullying to help the reader understand and identify the behaviour in all its forms.
The effects of being bullied can be felt both physically and emotionally and should not be underestimated. It has been likened to a cancer that creeps up on someone long before they are aware of what it is that’s making them feel its ill effects.
How to Deal with Bullying at Work explores the choices left open to someone being bullied, from confronting the bully, to seeking help, to taking legal action. For example, often it is safer to seek advice from personnel or union representatives and to follow the company’s official grievance procedures than to challenge the individual head-on.
How to Deal with Bullying at Work is available from Mind Publications, 15-19 Broadway, London E15 4BQ priced £1 plus a 44p A5 SAE. Tel: 020 8221 9666 or email: publications@mind.org.uk.