The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) National Ban Bullying at Work Day, which took place on the 7 November 2006, highlighted the need for employers to review their procedures on how to tackle bullying in the workplace as it can contribute greatly to workplace stress, not only for the victim of bullying, but also to the onlooker.
Almost half a million people within the UK experience the stress of work-related illness through bullying, costing employers a massive 80 million in lost working days with lost revenue reaching £2bn every year.
Speaking of the National Bullying at Work Day, Chris Rowe, Head of HSE's Stress Priority Programme, said:
"National Ban Bullying at Work Day is an opportunity for employers to review whether they are doing enough to secure the well being of their employees and the effective performance of their business.
"HSE's Management Standards for Work-Related Stress represent a widely adopted, practical and usable approach to taking the necessary steps to manage stress and improve well-being in the workplace.
"It is important that we encourage dialogue between employers and employees and engage them in finding a way to manage this growing problem."
Commenting on his research at Lancaster University, Psychology Professor Cary Cooper said:
"A large scale national research found that bullying doesn't just affect the people who experience it first hand, but the people who witness it too.
"It lowers morale in the office and in some cases can lead to an increase in time taken in days off work for stress-related problems.
"Moreover it can also impact on other areas of life including relationships and family life. Employers have tools available to address bullying in the workplace.
"The HSE's Stress Management Standards can be implemented in the workplace to make a difference to Britain's 28 million strong workforce."
Further details on Management Standards for work related stress can be accessed from the HSE Webpage by clicking the following:
HSE - Stress Management Standards
Our own HSfB has lots of information and guidance on bullying/stress in the workplace, which can be accessed from our main webpage by clicking the following:
Health and Safety For Beginners
Article by Alexandra Johnston
