Workplace Mediation and Investigation Geelong

What is Bullying?

Bullying is a pattern of aggressive or humiliating behaviour arising from deliberate attempts to cause physical or psychological distress to others.  Recent studies suggest that it occurs in the workplace more than we have realised in the past.

Forms of bullying

The act of bullying can take many forms, such as:

• Reputation damage
• Demoralisation
• Causing Inconvenience
• Name-calling and insults or verbal put-downs
• Non-verbal expressions of contempt
• So-called practical jokes or initiations
• Nuisance behaviour
• Damage to property
• Physical intimidation or attacks
• Threatening behaviour
• Social exclusion

The targeted person suffers a loss of self-esteem and may be angry at the failure of senior staff and the organisation to protect them.  They can experience a drop in productivity and competence and can often adversely affect their physical and mental health.

When management doesn’t deal effectively with bullying, workers perceive that there is a tacit acceptance of it in their workplace.  Providing a safe, supportive environment for workers in which bullying is recognised as totally unacceptable, should be the aim of the organisation.

HR4Business provides various services to support both employees and employers in managing bullying behaviour.  HR4Business has psychologists available to provide support to bullying targets which incorporates providing suitable strategies to empower the targets as a first level tier to manage the problem.  We also have Senior HR Consultants to provide support to Management as well as provide Mediation and Investigations services pertaining to bullying behaviour.  HR4Business also offers training to ensure that your staff are EEO compliant and aware of their responsibilities.  For a free confidential discussion please call us on: (03) 5222 6695 or visit our website www.hr4business.com.au