Stand Up Against Bullying: A blog to help stop workplace bullying
Leadership Organizations

The Restorative Healing Approach: A Pathway to Overcoming the Devastating Effects of Workplace Bullying

Original Publication Date: July 2, 2017; Edited and Republished on May 1, 2023

The detrimental impact of workplace bullying on both the organization and its employees cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, the lack of intervention and effective coping strategies only exacerbates the harm caused by bullying and aggression in the workplace. However, a restorative healing approach offers a solution that not only puts an end to workplace bullying but also focuses on transforming the work environment for the better.

Restorative healing involves a deliberate and collaborative process that aims to restore, transform, and prevent harmful behavior. It brings all stakeholders together to acknowledge the existence and harm of workplace bullying and work towards creating a culture that prevents such behavior from happening again. This approach prioritizes safety for all workers and employs strategies to transform the organizational culture.

Making amends, while not commonly associated with organizational interventions, is an essential aspect of restorative healing due to the significant harm caused by workplace bullying. This process involves the cooperation of aggressors, receivers, and bystanders and provides an opportunity for individuals, including leadership, to take responsibility for their actions, express their feelings, and commit to a healthier work environment.

It's crucial for organizations to take action in addressing workplace bullying, but it's important to note that there's no quick fix. However, with dedication, time, and a restorative healing approach, organizations can heal and create a work environment that is safe and free from bullying.

Call to Action:
Discuss ways to implement a restorative healing approach that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all employees within your organization. This requires a commitment to acknowledging the existence and harm of workplace bullying, engaging all stakeholders in a collaborative process to transform the organizational culture, and making amends for past harms.