October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and October 10th marks World Mental Health Day. These two topics are profoundly interconnected, as bullying can have a severe and lasting impact on the mental and physical health of those who experience it. Many of us have either witnessed or been on the receiving end of bullying, whether during our school years or in the workplace. For those who see their loved ones, whether children or adults, subjected to this toxic behavior, the distress and pain that follow are all too familiar. But what about the bully? What drives people to believe hurting others through their words or actions is acceptable?
Bullying takes many forms, with verbal abuse being one of the most common. Verbal abuse can include yelling, raising one’s voice, or making humiliating comments, especially in front of others. Insults, name-calling, and mocking are also damaging forms of verbal abuse. Another insidious form of bullying is exclusion or isolation—such as deliberately leaving someone out of meetings or social events or even ignoring them in passing. When someone intentionally withholds information, support, or resources from a colleague, subordinate, or even a superior, it constitutes sabotage, another form of bullying. Managers who micromanage, unfairly criticize, set unrealistic goals, or abuse their authority are also engaging in bullying-like behavior. Though this is a lengthy list, it doesn’t encompass all forms of bullying.
What are the consequences of bullying for the target? Workplace bullying can lead to chronic anxiety and stress, often contributing to feelings of depression. Imagine going to work knowing that a boss, co-worker, or even a subordinate will consistently mistreat you. Would you feel motivated to excel at your job or go the extra mile for a customer? Likely not. Instead, you’d begin to spiral downward. Anticipating daily mistreatment can make it hard to sleep, and sleep deprivation can lead to physical exhaustion, leaving you less able to bounce back from challenges. Emotional exhaustion and burnout soon follow, and with it, a host of physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, and overwhelming fatigue. These adverse effects harm the individual, disrupt the workplace, impact organizational performance, and affect customers.
While efforts to improve workplace mental health and reduce suicide rates are commendable, they fall short if they do not address workplace bullying. A workplace culture that condones or ignores bullying undermines these initiatives. Building a positive workplace culture is an intentional process that should reflect an organization’s highest values, mission, and vision. A positive workplace culture is achieved through comprehensive and thoughtful policies, training managers and supervisors to be successful leaders, and education and support, including employee or member assistance programs available to all employees.
Accountability is key to fostering a positive workplace culture. Organizations must hold employees accountable for behavior that violates their core values, including bullying. Corrective actions such as coaching, counseling, and providing support to develop healthier interpersonal strategies are essential. For those unable or unwilling to change, moving them into roles where they can no longer negatively impact others or deploying them to new employment opportunities may be necessary.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact your employee or member assistance program or call or text the crisis helpline at 988.
