Men more likely to bully at work

Men are the most likely to bully in the workplace, new research shows.

On average, employers are having to fork out €20,000 per work-related claim, while half of companies surveyed (53%) do not have appropriate bullying policies in place or appropriate mediation process to prevent such cases escalating.

A study carried out by the National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre in Dublin City University (DCU) found bullying in the workplace is the cause of one in ten dismissals.

The study looks at profiles and outcomes of 99 work- related cases taken to the Employment Appeals Tribunal under the Unfair Dismissals Acts between June 2013 and September 2015, in which bullying is referenced by claimants.

The findings show while there is an even gender balance in claims, men are more likely to bully. It also finds that male employees are less likely to take a case against a female colleague.

The study highlights the importance for employers to have robust procedures in place. It also reveals that claimants were less successful in obtaining awards where responding employers were found to have developed policies.