Workplace Health: Mark HarroldRage, depression, suicidal thoughts, despair, extreme stress, sleeplessness, fatigue, sick stomach, worry, helplessness, mental and physical health problems, loss of confidence, loss of faith, strained relationships and feelings of extreme isolation - these are just some of the symptoms experienced by those on the receiving end of workplace bullying.outlines how good people become the targets of workplace bullies
Last week I described the deviant personality of the workplace bully and how their dysfunctional conduct is tolerated by the "establishment". This week, I will identify why certain people are singled out for this treatment. According to a national survey 7 per cent of the workforce is bullied. Others have suggested an even higher figure.
This may come as a surprise to many readers because one of the most profound aspects of the experience of being bullied at work is the sense of isolation. Those being bullied feel they are the only people being treated in this way. Over time, they may even start to feel that the bullying is justified and that maybe they are incompetent or troublesome or deficient in some way, as the bully would wish them to believe.
While it may be difficult for some people to step back from their situation, it is important to detach and assess what is really going on. It is critical to understand that those singled out for bullying in the workplace are often the most able workers. Bullies despise individuals who are competent, intelligent, enthusiastic, popular and hardworking.
They resent talented people or those who will speak out about malpractice. People who are good at their job represent a threat to the warped environment in which the bully thrives.
The bully views integrity in another person as an opportunity to take advantage. Bullies usually do not possess a shred of integrity themselves.
It would be a mistake to underestimate the impact of workplace bullying on its targets. For those who experience it, the emotional impact is huge and the scars can remain long after they have left the bullying environment. Many people have difficulty understanding this.
They can become frustrated at their inability to leave the bullying situation behind. Their belief in justice can be shattered. They are incredulous that the bully can prevail unchallenged. It is regrettable that often, in the absence of adequate recognition of the phenomenon of workplace bullying, the bully is rewarded while the target resigns, having suffered poor health as a result of the bullying.
Targets of bullying often experience feelings of self-doubt. Prior to encountering the bully, they would have been highly competent in their work. Once the bullying starts they begin to lose belief in themselves. Over time, these doubts can come to dominate all aspects of daily life.
The stress involved eats away at their self-worth, self-image and self-confidence. Family members and friends may become disinterested in their predicament, most often because they do not appreciate the extent of the damage being done or know what they can do to help. This can lead to serious conflict with loved ones.
The sad reality is that bullies continue to thrive in most workplaces, despite estimates that, for example, bullying costs employers £30 billion sterling per year in Britain in lost earnings, sick leave, medical bills, legal compensation and other related costs.
The emotional cost to the targets of bullying is incalculable. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is not uncommon. And tragically, a significant number of people commit suicide as a result of workplace bullying.
If you can relate to what is being described, remember that you are not going crazy. You have come up against a dark force that is frequently devoid of conscience, a consummate liar and a self-serving manipulator. Most decent people do not possess the necessary deviousness to combat these thugs. Indeed, most decent people would never want to adopt these characteristics.
It is important, however, to understand exactly what is happening in a bullying situation. Next week I will describe the tactics adopted by the workplace bully and look at the issue of what to do if you are being bullied the following week.
In the meantime, two useful websites are www.bullyonline.org and www.alive3000.com if you are looking for further insights and support.
Dr Mark Harrold is a clinical psychologist, author, lecturer and broadcaster