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Big Bullies at Workplace Increase Stress
- July 14th, 2010
Bullying at workplace is a reality that very few people admit to. It is happening and increasing by the day. A dominating boss, an irritating co-worker and demanding deadines can be daunting to the bravest of all. It is enough to cause a headache and heartburn. Well, it is also increasing stress levels of many people.
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has found out that these stress levels can actually be harmful to the extent of causing mental ill health and warrants psychological intervention. It funded a study carried out by the
Over 5,000 employees participated in a two-phase study. About 40% of employees faced workplace bullying in various forms from superiors or co-workers regularly. Though may factors were responsible for increase in stress levels, bullying by other workers contributed significantly to the mental stress of an employee.
While good working conditions and optimism contributed to the positive wellbeing of employees, bullying dampened spirits. Less workloads and high self-esteem also helped combat the negative effects of bullying. The study clearly confirms that there exists a strong link between workplace happiness and personal wellbeing. Disturbing the balance can lead to severe repercussions including depression. But all is not lost.
In this fast era of competition for survival of the fittest there is hope. Interventions at workplace in the form of performance bonuses and recognition that help to boost the self worth of employees have a positive effect. It helps to negate the impact of bad behaviour of other workers that includes bullying.
This was the opinion of Christine Sprigg who works as a Lecturer in Occupational Psychology at the University’s Institute of Work Psychology. She is hopeful that further research on positive influences at work are worth studying to enhance workplace health and productivity.
