Workplace Health: Dr Mark Harrold focuses on the best ways to tackle the workplace bully.
As a psychologist who has only recently become aware of the phenomenon of workplace bullying, I am overwhelmed by its scale. And yet the experience encountered by most targets of workplace bullying is one of isolation.
The reality is that many thousands of people are affected by this issue in Ireland every day, but most have few, if any, supports. But that situation is beginning to change.
As a result of the groundbreaking work of Tim Field in Britain and Jacinta Kitt here in Ireland, there is an increasing awareness of this plague that causes such hardship to so many people. Trinity College has a dedicated Anti Bullying Centre headed by Dr Mona O'Moore. And Dr Paul Heslin has been instrumental in setting up support groups and providing individual counselling for those who have suffered at the hands of bullies (see page 6, InShort). Others are now following suit.
So how does the target of workplace bullying begin to fight back? The first step is to become more informed about what is happening to you. There are several websites which give comprehensive insights into the issues. Check out www.bullyonline.org and the Trinity Anti Bullying Centre website (www.abc.tcd.ie).
The next step is to talk to somebody about the problem. This can be a family member, a professional counsellor or a trusted friend. Do not underestimate the severe impact of workplace bullying. Many have likened it to post traumatic stress disorder. It is important to take care of yourself. Make sure that you maintain a healthy lifestyle as you endure this stress. Eating properly and getting plenty of exercise are critical to maintaining your morale.
Another option is to join a support group. Two Dublin-based groups are Moving On, based in the city centre, and the Bullying Information Group (BIG) which meets in Blanchardstown library. For further information on both these groups, ring 087 6722892.
Why not start a group in your own area if none exists? Once the word goes out that such a group is starting, you will be amazed at the number of people who will have had similar experiences.
If you are encountering bullying at work, it is important to keep clear records of every incident. Whether you resolve the issue internally or by legal means, it is essential to have documentation on what is happening to you. If you initiate legal proceedings against a bully, ensure that your solicitor is highly competent in this area.
The court system has been slow to recognise the phenomenon. It seems people have to prove they have a serious psychiatric illness as a result of bullying before the courts will acknowledge that bullying has taken place. It is therefore vital that you have confidence in your legal representative as legal precedent on workplace bullying is quite limited to date. Nonetheless, I believe it is only a matter of time before the courts are overwhelmed with cases of workplace bullying in the absence of organisations tackling this problem.Another step to consider is whether you should stay in a setting which is so destructive. People are often reluctant to let the bully win and will choose to fight on. But until the blanket acceptance of the dysfunctional behaviour of these psychopathic thugs is changed, they win out most of the time.
It may be prudent to take an objective look at your situation and make a strategic withdrawal. Ask yourself if it is wise to take on these deviants with unlimited resources at such huge personal cost. Consider moving on, secure in the knowledge that you are preserving your health, your confidence and your integrity. "Never wrestle with a pig because both of you get dirty and the pig likes it." Think about it.
Finally, remember that you are not alone. Once the huge numbers who have encountered workplace bullying reach a critical mass with the resulting public acknowledgement of the issue, I believe the tide will turn and the workplace will no longer be a safe haven for the psychopathic bully.
Mark Harrold is a clinical psychologist, broadcaster, lecturer and author.
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