Tackling toxicity: Building a bully-free workplace culture

Workplace bullying is a serious issue that affects employees across various industries. It has been identified as a global issue affecting countries across the world. 

Workplace bullying is a serious issue that impacts employees across various industries globally. In 2019, a study revealed that up to one in three Malaysian employees face bullying in the workplace. Being subjected to such treatment leaves individuals feeling scared and unhappy. This mistreatment not only hampers job performance but also damages self-esteem. Addressing workplace bullying is key to building a safe and positive work environment. 

Understanding the nature of workplace bullying is crucial. It impacts employee well-being, organisational productivity, and morale. Whether you are experiencing bullying or seeking to prevent it, recognising its various forms and impacts is key to addressing this issue. 

In this guide, we will cover:

• What is workplace bullying?
• Impact of workplace bullying
• Examples of workplace bullying
• How to stop workplace bullying
• How to deal with bullying behaviour
• Conclusion
• FAQs 

What is workplace bullying? 

Workplace bullying is when employees are repeatedly mistreated at work. These are not one-time conflicts, but a repeated pattern of behaviour. Bullying creates a scary or unfriendly work environment. 

Examples often include verbal bullying and physical abuse. Some other behaviours include psychological abuse, microaggressions, and manipulation. These can cause decrease in productivity and negatively impact an individual's mental health. 

Workplace bullying isn't the same for everyone. It comes in different forms, both obvious and subtle. To spot it, both managers and employees need to be aware of these behaviours. Training and awareness programs can help stop bullying. Addressing workplace bullying is crucial for creating a respectful work culture. 

Impact of workplace bullying 

Workplace bullying has various impacts, including physical symptoms:

• Stress: It can lead to chronic stress, activating the body's fight-or-flight response. This ongoing stress can harm physical health and weaken your immune system.
• Low morale: Constant mistreatment can lower self-esteem and confidence. This can impact your work performance, preventing you from advancing in your job.
• Fatigue: Workplace bullying causes emotional strain which leaves you feeling mentally exhausted. It disturbs your sleep causing fatigue, which impacts your well-being. Fatigue can reduce productivity and increase the risk of workplace accidents.
• Depression or anxiety: Bullying creates a hostile work environment. This not only causes panic attacks but also feelings of isolation. As a result, you may develop clinical depression or anxiety disorders. 

These physical symptoms have a profound impact on the mental health of staff. Bullying victims may experience mental health issues, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression. 

Here is how persistent bullying can lead to professional burnout over time:

• Emotional exhaustion: Excessive work demands can cause emotional exhaustion. This is a key aspect of burnout.
• Lack of control: Bullying creates a feeling of powerlessness and lack of control. You may feel helpless in preventing the bullying, contributing to burnout.
• Reduced sense of accomplishment: Constant mistreatment can undermine your sense of achievement. This can make you feel like you are not achieving much and impact your job performance.
• Social isolation: Workplace bullying and harassment can erode confidence. This can lead to a decrease in job satisfaction and productivity. 

Examples of workplace bullying 

There are many different types of bullying in the workplace. Recognising these behaviours is crucial to workplace health. 

Here are some common examples of workplace bullying:

• Verbal abuse: This includes name-calling, insults, and offensive language. This can make a person feel small or less important.
• Gossip and rumours: Spreading false information or rumours about a coworker. This can damage their reputation.
• Intentional exclusion. Deliberately excluding colleagues from meetings, events, or workplace activities can isolate them.
• Undermining work. Consistently undermining a coworker's efforts and achievements is another form of bullying.
• Cyberbullying. This is a form of digital harassment using email, social media, or other online platforms.
• Threats and intimidation. This includes using tactics, threats, or intimidation to control or manipulate a coworker.
• Unfair criticism. Providing unjust or harsh feedback without constructive guidance can constitute unfair criticism.
• Micromanagement: Excessive interference in a colleague's work can create a sense of frustration.
• Sabotage. Sabotage is the deliberate undermining of a coworker's work to hinder their success.
• Discrimination: Discrimination is unfair treatment based on race, gender identity, or age.
• Work overload. Giving a coworker an excessive workload can contribute to poor health and burnout.
• Public humiliation. This involves criticising or embarrassing a colleague in meetings or public communication.
• Withholding information. Keeping crucial information from a coworker can hinder their ability to do their job.
• Constant monitoring. Excessive monitoring of a colleague's work can create a stressful and intrusive environment.
• Mockery. Mockery involves ridiculing a coworker's ideas, opinions, or contributions during meetings or discussions.
• Institutional bullying: This includes setting impossible deadlines. This forces people to work overtime. If they cannot meet these goals, bullies target them.
• Sexual harassment: This is one of the most stressful forms of harassment. Unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favours characterise sexual harassment.
• No credit for work: This includes undermining employees by demeaning their work standards. They don't acknowledge their efforts, setting them up to fail. 

How to stop workplace bullying 

For a healthy work environment, it is essential to prevent and address bullying. According to human rights, your employer must legally ensure a safe workplace. They have a responsibility under Occupational Health and Safety and anti-discrimination laws. Organisations need to implement strategies and policies that discourage bullying and address it. 

You are part of the equation, whether you are an employee, manager, or leader. Here are some practical steps you can take to address bullying in the workplace:  

Employees 

Empower your workplace culture. Promote a safe and inclusive environment. Take proactive steps to stop workplace bullying. Consider the following actions to promote a healthy and respectful atmosphere:

• Reflect on your actions: Consider your behaviour. Make sure you encourage a positive and respectful workplace.
• Communicate openly: If you witness bullying or are the victim of it, speak to the person involved. Be calm and assertive, focusing on specific behaviours.
• Document incidents: Record bullying incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions. This can help you provide a clear account.
• Seek support: Speak to colleagues, friends, or family members for emotional support. They may also offer advice on how to handle the situation.
• Report to human resources or management: If the issue persists, report as soon as possible. Provide details and any documentation you have.
• Speak up: Speak up if you witness workplace bullying happening to others. Reporting it can make a difference. 

Managers 

Foster leadership in cultivating a supportive and respectful workplace. Install effective strategies to combat bullying in the workplace. 

Here are key actions to guide your efforts in creating a positive work environment:

• Address concerns promptly: It is important to act immediately when there are complaints. Show your staff that their well-being is a priority.
• Be an example: Show respectful behaviour in your interactions. This will set high standards for the team.
• Arrange or attend training: Organise and join in workshops that prevent workplace bullying.
• Provide clear reporting channels: Ensure there are confidential reporting channels for employees. This can help employees combat bullying without fear of retaliation.
• Investigate complaints thoroughly: Investigate reported incidents, ensuring the fair treatment of everyone involved. 

Leaders 

As leaders, you play a pivotal role in shaping the organisational culture. You can also foster a climate of respect. Take proactive steps to address and prevent bullying in the workplace. 

Some actions you can take include:

• Review policies: Regularly review anti-bullying policies. This ensures they are comprehensive and up-to-date.
• Process complaints fairly: Establish a fair and transparent process for handling complaints. Always emphasise a commitment to a safe workplace.
• Offer training programs: Integrate anti-bullying training into the organisation's onboarding process. This makes it a part of ongoing professional development.
• Promote a culture of respect: Highlight respect and inclusivity as fundamental organisational values.
• Hold others accountable: Hold individuals accountable for their actions, irrespective of their position.
• Support targets: Offer support to bullied staff. Offer them access to counselling or other resources. 

How to deal with bullying behaviour  

Workplace bullying can be emotionally challenging. Addressing bullying is not easy, but doing so systemically supports well-being and belonging. It will also prevent organisational demise. But you must take decisive steps to address the issue. 

Here is what you should do if you are tired of workplace bullies:

1. Respond immediately: Try to remain calm and avoid responding with aggression.
2. Document the incident: Write down a detailed account of the bullying incident. Note the names of any witnesses present during the incident. Their statements can be valuable if you decide to escalate the matter.
3. Talk to the bully: Choose the right time and a private and calm setting to express your concerns. Use "I" statements to help you seek resolution.
4. Contact human resources or management: Prepare documentation to discuss what is happening. Express your concerns and the desire for resolution.
5. Make a formal complaint: If the issue continues, follow your company's formal complaint procedures. This might mean writing a formal letter of complaint about workplace bullying. You can then give it to the management or another assigned authority.
6. Seek support: Contact a friend, family member, or colleague for emotional support. Additionally, you can also seek support from mental health professionals at the workplace. They can help you manage the psychological effects of workplace bullying and harassment.
7. Get help from support services: You can contact support services and ask for support. Even if you don't have anyone you can talk to, the services can offer help.
8. Know your rights: Awareness of workplace bullying legislation can empower you. Make sure you have a current copy of your employee handbook. Read and understand your company's policies on workplace violence and harassment.
9. Follow up: Follow up with management to ensure they are addressing the issue. Document any further incidents.
10. Consider legal advice: You can take a legal action. Workplace violence cases in Malaysia can be legally addressed through the court system. There are provisions outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA). According to that, employers must ensure good workplace health for their employees. 

Remember, you are not alone. If you experience bullying, you have to do something. Taking steps to address workplace bullying is crucial for your well-being and health. Some companies also have a health and safety representative you can talk to as well. Always stand up for yourself and seek the support and resolution you deserve. 

Conclusion 

Workplace bullying is a common issue and comes in many forms. As many as one in three Malaysian employees report bullying in the workplace. It has far-reaching consequences, impacting teams and the organisation. 

To fight workplace bullying, everyone must be proactive. Employees, managers, and leaders need to work together to create a safe workplace. Take a stand against workplace bullying. Your well-being and the health of your workplace depend on it. 

FAQs 

1. What should I do if I witness workplace bullying? 
   ⁠If you witness workplace bullying, document the incident. Then file a report with management. Encourage other victims to report the bullying behaviour as well. Be supportive and make sure the appropriate people are aware of the situation. 
2. How can I rebuild my confidence and mental well-being after experiencing workplace bullying? 
   ⁠To rebuild your confidence and mental well-being, seek support. You can seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. Set boundaries, practice self-care, and focus on your strengths. A counsellor or therapist can give you advice on how to cope and feel better about yourself. 
3. Can workplace bullying occur in remote or virtual work settings? 
   ⁠Yes, workplace bullying can occur in remote or virtual work settings. Bullying in the workplace is something you cannot compromise on. It may be in the form of cyberbullying, exclusion, or inappropriate communication. Organisations need to establish clear virtual communication guidelines. Addressing any signs of work bullying, even in remote work environments, is essential.