Ontarians please contact your MPPs to ask them to support Bill 168. This bill focuses on workplace violence and workplace harassment. Representatives need to know that Ontarians want to be protected from violence and bullies in the workplace. The debate regarding this bill will resume tomorrow. Please do your part to protect Ontarians. Thanks.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/10/prweb3067174.htm
Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Categories of Workplace Bullying
In my newly released book In Darkness Light Dawns: Exposing Workplace Bullying, I discuss the results of an online Workplace Interaction survey I administered to 326 men and women in Canada and the United States. The survey sought to determine how commonly people experience the five categories of bullying set forth by researchers Charlotte Rayner and Helge Hoel:
1) Threat to professional status (e.g., damaging the person’s reputation, humiliating the person in public or accusing him or her of lack of effort).
2) Threat to personal standing (e.g., calling the person names; insulting, teasing or intimidating him or her; or devaluing the person based on age).
3) Isolation (e.g., preventing access to opportunities, deliberately withholding important information or isolating the person physically or socially).
4) Overwork (e.g., imposing undue pressure to produce work, setting impossible deadlines or making consistent and unnecessary disruptions).
5) Destabilization (e.g., failing to give credit where it is due, assigning meaningless tasks, removing responsibility or setting the person up for failure).
In the threats to professional status category, 47 percent of survey respondents indicated they had been publicly humiliated and embarrassed by a boss or co-worker. In the threats to personal standing category, 39 percent of respondents were teased, 27 percent were targets of malicious rumors and 25 percent were talked to in a sarcastic way and felt “put down.” In the category of isolation, 33 percent of respondents reported being ostracized in the workplace and 29 percent had their work sabotaged.
Nearly half of the respondents (46 percent) felt overworked. A full 21 percent said they’d received unreasonable deadlines: a ruse commonly used by bullies in efforts to overwhelm and intimidate.
Destabilization was rampant; 51 percent of respondents indicated they did not receive credit for their work and 37 percent said they were neither acknowledged nor rewarded for doing a good job.
The Workplace Interaction survey confirmed the powerfully and profoundly damaging impact of workplace bullying on health and wellness. For example:
• 32 percent of the men and women surveyed indicated that they suffered physical ailments such as fatigue, nervousness, headaches and stomachaches on a regular basis due to mistreatment at work.
• 28 percent were depressed and became anxious when they thought about work or were at work.
• 35 percent indicated that being bullied had negatively affected their personal lives.
To eliminate bullying in the workplace, organizations must establish healthy workplace policies that specifically address bullying. Similarly, lawmakers must pass legislation making workplace bullying illegal. When workplace bullying is illegal, organizations and individuals within those organizations will be forced to change their attitudes and behaviors.
For more information visit www.bulliednomore.com
1) Threat to professional status (e.g., damaging the person’s reputation, humiliating the person in public or accusing him or her of lack of effort).
2) Threat to personal standing (e.g., calling the person names; insulting, teasing or intimidating him or her; or devaluing the person based on age).
3) Isolation (e.g., preventing access to opportunities, deliberately withholding important information or isolating the person physically or socially).
4) Overwork (e.g., imposing undue pressure to produce work, setting impossible deadlines or making consistent and unnecessary disruptions).
5) Destabilization (e.g., failing to give credit where it is due, assigning meaningless tasks, removing responsibility or setting the person up for failure).
In the threats to professional status category, 47 percent of survey respondents indicated they had been publicly humiliated and embarrassed by a boss or co-worker. In the threats to personal standing category, 39 percent of respondents were teased, 27 percent were targets of malicious rumors and 25 percent were talked to in a sarcastic way and felt “put down.” In the category of isolation, 33 percent of respondents reported being ostracized in the workplace and 29 percent had their work sabotaged.
Nearly half of the respondents (46 percent) felt overworked. A full 21 percent said they’d received unreasonable deadlines: a ruse commonly used by bullies in efforts to overwhelm and intimidate.
Destabilization was rampant; 51 percent of respondents indicated they did not receive credit for their work and 37 percent said they were neither acknowledged nor rewarded for doing a good job.
The Workplace Interaction survey confirmed the powerfully and profoundly damaging impact of workplace bullying on health and wellness. For example:
• 32 percent of the men and women surveyed indicated that they suffered physical ailments such as fatigue, nervousness, headaches and stomachaches on a regular basis due to mistreatment at work.
• 28 percent were depressed and became anxious when they thought about work or were at work.
• 35 percent indicated that being bullied had negatively affected their personal lives.
To eliminate bullying in the workplace, organizations must establish healthy workplace policies that specifically address bullying. Similarly, lawmakers must pass legislation making workplace bullying illegal. When workplace bullying is illegal, organizations and individuals within those organizations will be forced to change their attitudes and behaviors.
For more information visit www.bulliednomore.com
Thursday, September 24, 2009
New book to be released soon
I am very much interested in seeing workplace bullying eradicated in the workplace. I have written a book on this topic titled “In Darkness Light Dawns: Exposing Workplace Bullying”. This book will be available soon. This book is not like any other book which focuses on workplace bullying. I share my personal experiences of being bullied in the workplace and my subsequent research on the issue. My goal was to write a book that let targeted individuals know that someone was willing to speak open and honest about how bullying affects them. I encourage you to visit my website www.bulliednomore.com for more information regarding this book and my earlier book titled “Hope For a Healthy Workplace”. Preorder your copy today.
Thank you.
Dr. Lisa M. S. Barrow
Thank you.
Dr. Lisa M. S. Barrow
Saturday, August 22, 2009
In Darkness Light Dawns:Exposing Workplace Bullying.
Have you been publicly humiliated by a boss or coworker?
Have you been the target of malicious rumors at work?
Have you been ostracized at work?
Have you received unreasonable project deadlines?
If you answered "yes" to these questions, you are experiencing some forms of workplace bullying. I recently completed research in which I asked 286 men and women in Canada and the US to respond to these questions. 44% of respondents indicated that they had been publicly humiliated by a boss or coworker. 25% of respondents were the targets of malicious rumors. 30% reported being ostracized in the workplace and 20% of respondents said they'd received unreasonable deadlines.
At first you make think that these acts are harmless, however, if a person is subjected to them over an extended period of time, they can become quite harmful. Individuals who resort to such acts are psychologically harassing others. They are slowly trying to chip away at the employees' confidence, self-esteem and overall wellbeing. In doing so, the harasser is able to unleash his or her wrath upon unsuspecting victims and the victims are left feeling confused and helpless.
Psychological harassment or workplace bullying can have a devastating effect on employees who find themselves as the target of this abusive behavior. Unfortunately, some individuals become so distraught, they feel the only way out of their suffering is by suicide. Suicide is not the answer. Workplace bullies need to be held accountable for their actions. Organizations that choose to ignore the issue of workplace bullying need to be held responsible. That is why it is so very important for anti-psychological harassment laws to be passed. Employees need to be protected from the bullies who are roaming the halls of our organizations and who are wreaking havoc in millions of lives. The time has come for us to put forth a united effort to stop workplace bullying.
My soon-to-be released book "In Darkness Light Dawns: Exposing Workplace Bullying.", provides valuable insights about workplace bullying and recommendations for how to stop workplace bullying. The book will be available mid-September.
Have you been the target of malicious rumors at work?
Have you been ostracized at work?
Have you received unreasonable project deadlines?
If you answered "yes" to these questions, you are experiencing some forms of workplace bullying. I recently completed research in which I asked 286 men and women in Canada and the US to respond to these questions. 44% of respondents indicated that they had been publicly humiliated by a boss or coworker. 25% of respondents were the targets of malicious rumors. 30% reported being ostracized in the workplace and 20% of respondents said they'd received unreasonable deadlines.
At first you make think that these acts are harmless, however, if a person is subjected to them over an extended period of time, they can become quite harmful. Individuals who resort to such acts are psychologically harassing others. They are slowly trying to chip away at the employees' confidence, self-esteem and overall wellbeing. In doing so, the harasser is able to unleash his or her wrath upon unsuspecting victims and the victims are left feeling confused and helpless.
Psychological harassment or workplace bullying can have a devastating effect on employees who find themselves as the target of this abusive behavior. Unfortunately, some individuals become so distraught, they feel the only way out of their suffering is by suicide. Suicide is not the answer. Workplace bullies need to be held accountable for their actions. Organizations that choose to ignore the issue of workplace bullying need to be held responsible. That is why it is so very important for anti-psychological harassment laws to be passed. Employees need to be protected from the bullies who are roaming the halls of our organizations and who are wreaking havoc in millions of lives. The time has come for us to put forth a united effort to stop workplace bullying.
My soon-to-be released book "In Darkness Light Dawns: Exposing Workplace Bullying.", provides valuable insights about workplace bullying and recommendations for how to stop workplace bullying. The book will be available mid-September.
Monday, July 20, 2009
What can I do if I am being bullied?
Over the past several months I have been diligently writing my next book "In Darkness Light Dawns: Exposing Workplace Bullying." which is about workplace bullying and my experiences. As I think about my audience I am sure many will ask themselves the question "What can I do if I am being bullied?" I have devoted an entire chapter to answering this question, however, I thought I would share a few tips for those of you who need guidance immediately.
One of the first things you must do is uphold your personal value. You must look in the mirror and embrace the person looking back at you. Bullying has a way of playing tricks on your mind, and may cause you to begin to doubt and devalue yourself. You have to begin to change your mindset about YOU. No matter how discouraged and defeated you may be feeling at this time, you must muster up the strength to see your true worth and to embrace it. If you do not value yourself...no one else will value you.
The next thing you must do is surround yourself with people who love you and are willing to support you. Trust me this is very important. I could not have survived my bullying experience without the love, prayers and support of family and friends. There were times when I doubted myself while going through my bullying experience, and then I would receive a call from a sister or friend and the person would say something that would let me know that I was valued and that I would be ok.
Document your interactions with the bully so that you have concrete evidence. Record the time, place, date, persons involved, and what was said and done. This will come in handy should you choose to pursue legal action. Carry a little notepad with you so that you can write down the facts right after a bullying incident and while it is fresh in your mind.
I would encourage you to talk to a counselor as he/she can help you work through some of the psychological damage that has been caused by the bullying. Counselors can offer insights to help you regain your strength so that you can confidently confront the bully. Yes, I said "confront the bully". I can just hear the collective gulp. In confronting the bully you are taking back your life and letting him or her know that you will not tolerate the bullying any longer. If you feel as if you do not have the courage or strength to do this on your own, take someone with you. Setup an appointment with a representative from human resources or your union. The bottom line is that you must tell someone. Know that you will meet with great resistance from the bully, but that is ok. Take deep breaths. The more you are aware of your breathing, the calmer you will be. Interact with the person in a professional manner. Clearly, let him or her know that the bullying must stop or else you will have to pursue your options. You must be firm. You should also file a formal complaint with the human resources department. Be sure to let your doctor know what is going on. Workplace bullying causes a great deal of stress for a person and can cause other ailments as well. Your doctor needs to know of your situation so that you can be cared for in an appropriate manner. Finally, if you cannot get assistance from your human resources personnel, then contact a lawyer.
So these are a few suggestions. I expand on these suggestions and provide other insights in my soon to be released book "In Darkness Light Dawns". Stay tuned. In the meantime, keep your head up and continue to see your personal worth and beauty.
Blessings.
One of the first things you must do is uphold your personal value. You must look in the mirror and embrace the person looking back at you. Bullying has a way of playing tricks on your mind, and may cause you to begin to doubt and devalue yourself. You have to begin to change your mindset about YOU. No matter how discouraged and defeated you may be feeling at this time, you must muster up the strength to see your true worth and to embrace it. If you do not value yourself...no one else will value you.
The next thing you must do is surround yourself with people who love you and are willing to support you. Trust me this is very important. I could not have survived my bullying experience without the love, prayers and support of family and friends. There were times when I doubted myself while going through my bullying experience, and then I would receive a call from a sister or friend and the person would say something that would let me know that I was valued and that I would be ok.
Document your interactions with the bully so that you have concrete evidence. Record the time, place, date, persons involved, and what was said and done. This will come in handy should you choose to pursue legal action. Carry a little notepad with you so that you can write down the facts right after a bullying incident and while it is fresh in your mind.
I would encourage you to talk to a counselor as he/she can help you work through some of the psychological damage that has been caused by the bullying. Counselors can offer insights to help you regain your strength so that you can confidently confront the bully. Yes, I said "confront the bully". I can just hear the collective gulp. In confronting the bully you are taking back your life and letting him or her know that you will not tolerate the bullying any longer. If you feel as if you do not have the courage or strength to do this on your own, take someone with you. Setup an appointment with a representative from human resources or your union. The bottom line is that you must tell someone. Know that you will meet with great resistance from the bully, but that is ok. Take deep breaths. The more you are aware of your breathing, the calmer you will be. Interact with the person in a professional manner. Clearly, let him or her know that the bullying must stop or else you will have to pursue your options. You must be firm. You should also file a formal complaint with the human resources department. Be sure to let your doctor know what is going on. Workplace bullying causes a great deal of stress for a person and can cause other ailments as well. Your doctor needs to know of your situation so that you can be cared for in an appropriate manner. Finally, if you cannot get assistance from your human resources personnel, then contact a lawyer.
So these are a few suggestions. I expand on these suggestions and provide other insights in my soon to be released book "In Darkness Light Dawns". Stay tuned. In the meantime, keep your head up and continue to see your personal worth and beauty.
Blessings.
Friday, May 1, 2009
New York State Residents Workplace Anti-bullying Survey
Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the Health Fair at Villa Maria College. I spent the day talking to individuals about workplace bullying and our efforts to convince legislators to pass the Healthy Workplace Bill in New York State. Every person with whom I spoke, shared a story about being bullied in the workplace or knowing someone who had been bullied. There are so many people who are suffering in silence because they are afraid to speak up about what is happening to them. Just as we encourage our children to tell us if someone is touching them in an inappropriate manner, we must encourage employees to tell someone about their bullying experience. No longer can workplace bullying be a taboo topic. It needs to be openly discussed. It needs to stop!!!! There needs to be a law to protect employees from abusive bosses and colleagues.
After interacting with individuals at events such as the Health Fair and hearing their stories, my commit and passion for creating a healthier workplace environment increases. My energy is fueled by the stories I hear and my strong desire to help individuals escape from their bullying situation. I am reminded of the tears that are shed as people share their stories. I am also encouraged by the courage some have displayed as they share their stories. The pain is so evident. The emotions are so raw. The wounds are so deep, yet these individuals muster up the courage to speak up. How can I ignore these survivors of workplace bullying? I cannot!!!! And I am asking you not to ignore them as well.
You can have your voice heard by taking a few seconds to complete this online survey and passing it along to people you know who live in New York state. Enter your name to win a $50 Macy’s gift card, just by completing this survey. The drawing will be on May 30, 2009. Click on the link below.
New York Residents!!! Please complete the following online survey and pass it along to friends, family, colleagues and etc who live in NY.
http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=077f579bky02kh5583634
New York Residents!!! Please complete the following online survey and pass it along to friends, family, colleagues and etc who live in NY.
http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=077f579bky02kh5583634
Thank you in advance.
Friday, April 24, 2009
New York Workplace Anti-bullying Legislation Survey
New York state residents, please take a few minutes to complete this short survey related to passing the first workplace anti-bullying law to protect employees. Your assistance is appreciated. Let your voice be heard. Please pass this link along to friends, family members and other New York state residents. Thank you for doing your part to stop workplace bullying.
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