Stress Management Job Stress Workplace Bullying The Effects of Workplace Bullying By Sherri Gordon Sherri Gordon is a published author and a bullying prevention expert. Learn about our editorial process Sherri Gordon Reviewed by Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS on March 10, 2020 facebook twitter linkedin instagram Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in weight management and eating behaviors. Learn about our Review Board Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS Updated on March 10, 2020 Print Gpointstudio/Image Source/Getty Images Table of Contents View All Health Risks Job Performance Clinical Research Employers of Bullies Employer Response If you're a target of bullies in the workplace, you probably start each week with a pit of anxiety in your stomach. Then, you count down the days until the weekend or next vacation. Inappropriate behavior by adult bullies may include: Berating peopleExcluding othersMaking snide remarksStealing creditThreatening othersUnfair criticism The Health Risks The effects of workplace bullying don't end when you leave the office. Being a victim of bullying can cause physical and psychological health problems, including: AnxietyHigher blood pressurePanic attacksStressTrouble sleepingUlcers Affect on Job Performance Bullied workers can't perform their jobs to the best of their ability. Performance issues include: An incapacity to work or concentrateA loss of self-esteemHaving trouble making decisionsLower productivity Bullied workers not only lose motivation, they lose time because they are preoccupied with: Trying to defend themselvesAvoiding the bullyNetworking for supportRuminating about the situationPlanning how to deal with the situation What’s more, targets of bullying feel a sense of isolation. In fact, workplace bullying can leave the victim so traumatized that they feel powerless, disoriented, confused and helpless. How Workplace Bullies Pick Their Targets Clinical Research on Bullying in the Workplace The problem is so prevalent, you can find clinical studies on the subject. Research on bullying in the workplace quantifies the personal consequences for the victim and fiscal consequences that affect the company's bottom line. University of Manitoba researchers found that workplace bullying may inflict more harm on employees than sexual harassment. Researchers at the University of Helsinki Department of Public Health found non-target coworkers suffer too. Their results show victims of bullying and those who witness it are more likely to receive a prescription for psychotropic medications such as: AntidepressantsTranquilizersSleeping pills Effects on the Employers of Bullies Workplace bullying has detrimental effects on employers, not just the victim and their co-workers who witness it. In addition to disrupting the work environment and impacting worker morale it can also: Reduce productivityCreate a hostile work environmentPromote absenteeismImpact workers compensation claimsResult in costly, and possibly embarrassing legal issues Other costly effects on the employer include: Additional costs to recruit and train new employeesErosion of employee loyalty and commitmentIncreased use of sick leave, health care claims and staff turnoverIncreased risk of legal actionPoor public image and negative publicity How Employers Can Respond It's always in your best interest to confront workplace bullying and maintain a bullying-free workplace because prevention is more cost-effective than intervention or mediation. It's also the right thing to do if care about your employees. Employers must offer education opportunities for managers, supervisors, and other authority figures because the majority of workplace bullying comes from bullying bosses. Strive to create a workplace environment that cultivates teamwork, cooperation, and positive interaction instead. How to Confront a Workplace Bully Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Struggling with stress? Our guide offers expert advice on how to better manage stress levels. Get it FREE when you sign up for our newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Nielsen MB, Magerøy N, Gjerstad J, Einarsen S. Workplace bullying and subsequent health problems. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2014;134(12-13):1233-1238. doi:10.4045/tidsskr.13.0880 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. 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