Get Rid of the Office Bully: Institute a Positive Workplace Campaign

"BULLY FREE ZONE""

I was stunned to read in this month's ASTD Journal ,according to a recent study by the Workplace Bullying Institute,that almost 40 percent of workers report that they have been bullied at worK .

According to the report, Bullying ranges from verbal actions, such as cursing, to physical violence with  the leading sources of bullying include less management training, high stress, and long hours caused by added responsibility.  There was equally bad news about open door  HR policies on the issue , when  around 40 percent of workplace victims never report bullying to their employers, and those who do often find that their superiors ignore the issue or make the problem worse.  Yikes!

There's a  Big Price to pay for the  Bully problem above and beyond psychological assault to employees, when a reported 64 percent of affected employees eventually leave  their jobs due to bullying.  Think turnover/replacement costs ,not counting  the costs of litigation because managers do not handle complaints appropriately.

So What's an  HRD Manager to do?  Well, first of all In order to reduce the frequency of bullying, they must enforce strict policies and educate employees to create a positive and productive workplace.

Rules of Team Behavior and institution of a Company Wide Team Communications Training Program can be delivered in a fun and motivating format that also  improves both team and customer communications.

Finally, Bring a Positive Workplace Campaign to your organization that will reinforce your company's commitment to creating and maintaining a positive and safe environment for all employees.  No Bullies Allowed.

Rosemary Rein, Ph.D is the Author of "Blueprint for Success" and "Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life".  She conducts 1 and 2 day Now to WOW!TM Communications Seminars designed to improve both team and client communications.  www.gowildgogreat.com