13 new reasons to worry about the office bully

November 17, 2008 by Jared Bilski

Posted in: Communication tips, Healthcare, Latest news & views, Management issues

Tough economic times bring out the worst in certain office personalities, awakening latent bullies or making active ones more belligerent. Here’s why you should care.

First, it hurts business. Any type of bullying — from subtle annoyance to overt harassment — has been proven to hurt companies in many ways, including increased:

Absenteeism. In general, bullied workers spend more time on sick leave than non-bullied workers.
Healthcare costs. Yes, it’s true. Employees who claim they were bullied have reported suffering from depression, anxiety and sleep problems. And you’re footing the bill for their treatment.
Turnover. According to a studies by the Workplace Bullying Institute, 82% of bullied workers eventually end up quitting.

In the past, office bullies and their companies usually didn’t face legal problems, unless they blatantly discriminated against an employee because of race, religion, national origin, gender or physical disability.

But those days may be numbered, as 13 states are considering anti-bullying laws.

Tags: Absenteeism, Anti-bullying legislation, Discrimination, healthcare costs, Office bully, Turnover

2 Responses to “13 new reasons to worry about the office bully”

Kevin Kennemer Says:
November 17th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Workplace Bullies are absolutely hazardous to your mental and physical health of the employee, as well as the financial health of the employer. These workplace terrorists, screaming tyrants and cleverly caustic cowards need to be expelled from the work environment. Their concern is not about the company’s future and long-term viability. Their concern is about themselves. Self-centered, egotistical, workplace bullies only care about how their needs can be met by creating horrendous working conditions. Your article is right on!
Karen Arnold Says:
December 15th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I have worked with a workplace bully for 3 years, and that person screams the “f-word” and insults people in the office on an hourly basis. Unfortunately, he is best freinds with the district manager, and they are consistently in his office jeering about everyone on the team and how the office is not doing anything fast enough or well enough for him. When I complained about the 30+ times I am insulted by hearing the “f-bomb” accustaions all day, and how the coworker bullies the office, I was told that my supervisor would defend the bully every time because he was the top 45% salesman.