Bullying in workplace - Problem must not be tolerated

A survey released by the Samaritans found bullying “incredibly widespread”, or endemic in the Irish workplace. One in four Irish workers are bullied at work and more than 80% have experienced it at some time during their working lives. Those are outrageous statistics that no self-respecting society should endure.

Bullying should not be tolerated anywhere, but especially in the workplace because it is where people spend so much of their lives. Three out of five workers admit to worrying about the impact of workplace stress on a daily or weekly basis as a result of the bullying.

One third of Irish workers have considered emigrating to escape bullying. Half of the workers said their managers bullied them, while others blamed fellow workers, clients, or customers.

Hence this is more than an issue between workers and management. It extends throughout the workplace, and must be tackled by both management and worker representatives in a cooperative way.

Bullying has economic implications for employers. One in seven workers admits to taking time off because of bullying. The survey found that workers take an average of six sick days annually as a result of bullying. A quarter of those people pretend that they are suffering from some other illnesses rather than admit to suffering from stress.

The highest incidences of bullying are found in the catering industry, such as in restaurants and cafes, where 94% admit to having been bullied. Younger and temporary or casual workers are the most vulnerable, and they are also the least likely to report the bullying. As a result the problems persist.

Shouting or abusive chefs seem to be so common on reality television programmes that younger people may think such conduct is normal kitchen behaviour. On the other hand, bullying on the part of teachers was institutionalised in Irish schools for so long that some of the older generations may not properly appreciate the necessary changes that have taken place.

This may explain why it is happening, but not why it is being tolerated. People should be given the support they need to stop bullying.

There are, however, as yet no specific legal remedies to protect against bullying in the workplace, even though there are codes and laws that provide for redress for victims. Sexual harassment and bullying based on gender are, for instance, covered under the Equality Act.

A 2001 report was published under the auspices of the Health and Safety Authority which was given overall responsibility for providing a coordinated response. A task force was established to investigate the problem in 2004, and it reported in August of the following year. It concluded that workplace bullying was an increasing problem in this country and existing measures to deal with it were insufficient.

The problems were considered serious enough to call for immediate action, but little has been done. The time for talking is over.

Real Social Partnership demands that action be taken to ensure that people are given all the support necessary to ensure that bullying in the workplace is eliminated. People should be able to access information when and if they need it, without having to engage expensive legal representation.