The Truth About Workplace Bullying: Facts and Behaviors

Workplace bullying remains legal throughout most of the United States, leaving many victims without formal avenues for redress and causing significant disruption within organizations. However, there is hope on the horizon: Puerto Rico has recently passed legislation to address this issue, signaling potential progress towards comprehensive workplace bullying laws across the country.

The Staggering Extent of Workplace Bullying:
Key Statistics

2 million victims:

Annually, roughly 2 million people experience workplace violence (The Workplace Bullying Institute, 2021).

30% of Americans:

Have suffered from workplace abuse.

19% of Americans:

Have witnessed workplace bullying.

49% of Americans

Are affected by workplace bullying, either directly or indirectly.

66% of Americans:

Are aware that workplace bullying occurs (The Workplace Bullying Institute, 2021).

Additionally,

Workplace violence incidents have increased significantly, rising by 12% over seven years, from 36% in 2012 to 48% in 2019 (Society for Human Resource Management, 2019).
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What is Workplace Bullying?

Workplace bullying involves repeated, harmful behaviors within a professional context. These behaviors can manifest in various forms, including:

Key Characteristics of Workplace Bullying:

Series of Events

These behaviors are typically part of a series, escalating from minor to severe incidents over time.

Regular Occurrence

These behaviors happen frequently, often on a daily or weekly basis.

Cultural and Systemic Roots

Arising from flaws in organizational culture, policies, leadership, and group dynamics, workplace bullying reflects deeper systemic issues.
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Types and Examples of Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying can manifest in various forms, each with its own damaging impact.
Here are some key types and examples:

Verbal Bullying

Examples: Insults, shouting, or derogatory comments.
Impact: Erodes self-esteem and creates a hostile work environment.

Nonverbal Bullying

Examples: Intimidating gestures, eye-rolling, or exclusionary body language.
Impact: Conveys disrespect and can isolate individuals.

Cyberbullying and Cyber Attacks

Examples: Harmful emails, social media harassment, spreading rumors online, and cyber attacks on professional reputation.
Impact: Extends harassment beyond the workplace, damaging both personal and professional lives.

Physical Bullying

Examples: Unwanted physical contact, damaging personal property, or threats of violence.
Impact: Creates a sense of fear and can lead to physical harm.

Retaliation

Examples: Sabotaging work, withholding information, setting unrealistic deadlines, or retaliating against individuals for speaking up.
Impact: Hinders professional growth, job performance, and creates a culture of fear and silence.

Emotional Manipulation and Gaslighting

Examples: Distorting facts, denying past events, or making the victim question their reality.
Impact: Undermines the victim's confidence and mental well-being.
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