A few decades ago, sexual harassment was a common workplace issue. Over the years, programs were put in place to protect workers from its impact. However, the 2011 Work, Stress and Health conference addressed a different problem contributing to workplace stress, namely bullying. The website Management-Issues.com reports that in the U.S., bullying is now four times more prevalent than sexual harassment.
The site defines workplace bullying as threats, innuendo or deliberate isolation of a colleague. A May Monster Global poll found that this is a worldwide problem.Of 517 workers surveyed across the globe, 64 percent admitted to being bullied, either physically or emotionally, to the point where it was affecting their job performance, according to the website.
The Workplace Bullying Institute is a non-profit dedicated to helping those who feel alienated at work. The organization recommends a three-step approach to dealing with a workplace bully. First, admit that you are being bullied, second, take time off to plan a strategy against the him or her and, finally, expose the harassing person to your employer and demand that action be taken.
