Statistics relating to bullying illustrate why it can’t be ignored in the workplace

It is well recognised that workplace conflict, of which bullying forms a part, can have a very negative impact both on those involved and the organisation.  According to estimates by the CBI in 2012, it costs UK business £33 billion a year, taking up to 20% of leadership time and potentially losing up to 370 million working days.

A survey of 2000 British workers conducted in August 2015 found that 37% felt they had been bullied whilst 21% had witnessed colleagues being subjected to abuse, which amounts to over half of those surveyed either having experienced or witnessed bullying in their workplace.  In 56% of cases the bullying was masked as “workplace banter” and 68% expressed the behaviour as being “subtle”, such as excluding a colleague from work drinks, lunches or meetings.

However, whilst almost 60% had either been subjected to or witnessed bullying in their workplace, only 48% did anything about it.  Tackling bullying in the workplace is a challenging area as people are fearful of getting involved and becoming the next target.

So, while the impact for the victim can be catastrophic, both personally and professionally, the impact for the organisation can also be costly.  These costs can include absence from work, time spent on investigations and disciplinaries, loss of reputation, retention issues and tribunal costs to name a few.

In another survey published last November by the TUC, it was found that in 72% of the cases the bullying was carried out by a manager.

These statistics relating to bullying illustrate that the case for training both managers and staff in awareness can help prevent a culture of bullying develop in the workplace.

Our “Bullying in the Workplace Training for Managers” in-house course can be run at your workplace or at a venue of your choice nationwide.  During this one-day course participants will receive an introduction to the subject, discuss good practice and explore some of the ‘grey’ areas associated with the topic such as; banter and where to draw the line, strong management versus bullying, and what constitutes ‘unacceptable behaviour’.

Our “Bullying in the Workplace: Be Aware!” is also offered as an in-house course throughout the UK.  This training is suitable for all employees with the objective of raising awareness  of what bullying and harassment is and when it is taking place.  Delegates learn the responsibilities of all those involved along with the actions which should be taken if they believe they are being bullied or harassed.

If you would like to discuss your specific requirements or if we can provide any further assistance or information, please either complete and submit our contact form or call us on the number given on our  contact form here.