Work rage affects 70% of workers, says survey

THE workplace is getting more hot-tempered with the majority of workers experiencing regular verbal abuse, according to a survey published yesterday.

The poll found that so-called work rage was affecting seven out of every 10 employees with almost the same number reporting regular roaring and shouting at work.

Mental Health Ireland said it would be concerned for the well-being of workers who are continually on the receiving end of co-workers and bosses losing their temper.

“If this is a new phenomenon it would certainly be a cause of concern for us,” said Brian Howard, chief executive officer of Mental Health Ireland.

The study of 1,149 workers, by law firm Peninsula Ireland, also found that 74% of Irish workers admitted to having lost their temper while at work.

Nine out of every 10 affected by work rage blamed it on co-workers who were not pulling their weight. Some 68% of all respondents said verbal and yelling abuse was common in their place of work.

“If it is representative of the entire country there is something pretty wrong there, that needs to be addressed,” said Mr Howard.

“There would be a concern for the well-being of individuals if people regularly experience shouting and yelling in the workplace.”

Mental Health Ireland surveys in 2003 and 2005 showed workplaces were generally becoming more stressful but hadn’t explored any pattern of yelling abuse.

“It all depends how common it is,” said Mr Howard.

“If someone loses their temper once in a blue moon, well I think everybody would put their hand up to that, when they encounter extreme stressful situations and if they are working very long hours.

“But to lose one’s temper on a regular basis, ie, daily or weekly, if seven out of 10 people are experiencing that, it would be a bit of a shock to us.”

Mr Howard advised workers affected to take action if necessary when stress in the workplace was taking its toll.

“There’s greater stress on the workforce but our findings suggest most people can cope with the growth of stress,” he said.

“But with a significant minority — around the 20% to 25% mark — it does affect their lifestyles and the quality of their work.

“Our advice is recognise that stress is a modern-day phenomenon, and to recognise the causes of it and take action where necessary,” Mr Howard said.

Alan Price, of Peninsula Ireland, the Dublin-based employment law firm which conducted the survey, said: “Employers should encourage employees to take breaks and grab some lunch.

“Moving them away from their desk or place of work may help them see the situation differently and combat the aggression.

“In order to potentially reduce instances of work rage, employers should have clear zero tolerance policies and ensure they are communicated clearly to all.

“Problem areas should be identified and appropriate measures taken to remedy this. Managers should be trained to spot early signs of work rage in order to diffuse quickly,” he said.