Workplace Harassment: Colleagues Creating an Unfavorable Work Environment
Article: Supporting Victims of Workplace Bullying: A Collective Responsibility
Workplace bullying, a pervasive issue affecting numerous industries, necessitates active support from colleagues and organizations to combat. Here's a practical guide on how to help those under duress.
Victims of harassment, intimidation, humiliation, or exclusion can find themselves in a crisis. Workplace bullying not only compromises the individuals but also negatively influences the work environment. Fortunately, colleagues play a crucial role in offering the necessary support.
Andreas Saßmannshausen, an occupational psychologist and consultant at the MobbingLine NRW service center, iterates the importance of allies in the fight against bullying in an interview with the Initiative New Quality of Work (INQA). When witnesses bullying incidents, they're encouraged to offer emotional support to the victim.
Here are three actionable steps for colleagues:
- Show Empathy and Offer Support
Individuals who suspect bullying should engage with the affected party, offering comfort, and empathy. Small gestures like asking, "Are you OK?" can initiate a dialogue and show solidarity.
- Document Incidents and Witness Meetings
Victims of bullying are advised to compile evidence by documenting incidents in detail, including dates, times, and a description of the bullying behavior. Colleagues can offer assistance by attending meetings with superiors, works councils, or the HR department as supportive witnesses.
- Public Advocacy When Necessary
In cases where management is involved in bullying or turns a blind eye to such behavior, kindness and understanding should be manifested through formal channels. Colleagues are urged to call upon works councils, personnel councils, and management to create a safer work environment.
It's essential to remember that silence is never an option when witnessing workplace bullying. A collective effort from colleagues, employers, and unions can help ensure a safe and constructive work atmosphere for all employees.
In supporting victims of workplace bullying, both colleagues and employers have a shared responsibility to promote a positive work culture, educate staff on identifying and addressing bullying behaviors, and implement policies that discourage and penalize such misconduct.
References: ntv.de, awi/dpa
- Workplace Bullying
- Labor Law
- Employers can demonstrate their commitment to fostering a healthy and safe work environment by implementing comprehensive policies addressing workplace bullying, such as those covering community policy and workplace-wellness, which extend to mental-health issues.
- General news outlets often report on crime-and-justice incidents, but it's crucial to acknowledge the significance of work-related crimes like workplace bullying, as their impact on the psychological health and wellness of victims can be severe and long-lasting.
- As the issue of workplace bullying constantly evolves, it's essential for employers to stay up-to-date with current scientific research and best practices to enhance their employment policy, ensuring that they provide an optimal work environment for their employees and, in so doing, contribute positively to general-news discourse on workplace wellness and mental health.
