Background
With the rise of technology and the internet, companies are now able to work faster and more efficiently than ever before.
However, alongside these benefits, the digital environment has also led to an increase in bullying behaviour in the workplace.
Bullying behaviour in the workplace can take many forms, from verbal and physical abuse to online bullying through emails, text messages, and social media platforms. The anonymity and distance provided by technology can make it easier for those displaying bullying behaviour to attack others, as they can hide behind a screen and avoid accountability for their actions. Some key statistics about workplace bullying in the UK detailed by the TUC:
- 3 out of 10 employees have suffered from workplace bullying
- 47% of Britain’s employees have witnessed workplace bullying
- 25% have been made to feel left out in the workplace
- 12% admitted to struggling to make friends in their place of work
1. Social Media
One of the major ways in which the digital environment has increased bullying behaviour in the workplace is through the use of social media. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have made it easy for people to communicate with one another and share information, but they have also made it easy for those displaying bullying behaviour to attack others. Online bullying on social media can take many forms, from name-calling and harassment to spreading rumours and sharing private information. For more information, check out our dedicated page for being kind online here.
2. Email and Instant Messaging
Another way in which the digital environment has increased bullying behaviour in the workplace is through the use of email and instant messaging. These forms of communication can be just as harmful as face-to-face interactions, and they can be even more difficult to detect and address. Email and instant messaging can also be used to spread rumours and share private information, which can have a devastating impact on the person affected by the bullying behaviour.
3. Virtual Meetings
The digital environment has also led to an increase in bullying behaviour in the workplace through the use of video conferencing and virtual meetings. Video conferencing and virtual meetings can be a great way to stay in touch with colleagues and clients, but this system can also be abused. This is because video conferencing and virtual meetings can be more difficult to moderate and control, and they can be used to spread rumours and share private information.
Find more information for employees, here.
What can companies do to prevent workplace bullying in the digital environment?
Here are some preventative measures employers can take to prevent workplace bullying in the digital environment
- Establish a clear policy against bullying and harassment in the digital environment: Employers should have a written policy that clearly states that bullying behaviour and harassment will not be tolerated in any form, including in digital communication. This policy should outline what constitutes as bullying behaviour and harassment, and explain the consequences for employees who engage in such behaviour. It should also be communicated to all employees, and be easily accessible for them to refer to.
- Create a safe and confidential reporting system: Employees should have a safe and confidential way to report any incidents of bullying behaviour or harassment that they witness or experience. This reporting system should be easily accessible and allow for anonymity, if employees prefer. Employers should have a protocol in place to investigate reports of bullying behaviour and harassment, and take action if any violations are found. Campaigns like our Speak Out Campaign is a great place to start.
- Provide training and education: Employees should be provided with training and education on appropriate digital communication and behaviour. This should include information on how to recognise bullying behaviour and harassment, and how to avoid participating in such behaviour. They should be made aware of the impact of their words and actions, and be encouraged to be respectful and professional in all digital communications. BulliesOut offers a range of fantastic training courses for you and your business.
- Monitor digital communication in the workplace: Employers should monitor digital communication in the workplace to ensure that employees are adhering to the policy against bullying behaviour and harassment. This includes monitoring emails, instant messaging, social media, and other digital platforms used by employees. Any violations should be dealt with promptly and appropriately.
- Encourage a culture of respect and inclusion: Employers should foster a culture of respect and inclusion in the workplace, where everyone is encouraged to speak up and stand against any form of inappropriate behaviour. Employees should be encouraged to support one another, and to report any incidents of bullying behaviour or harassment that they witness. This culture should be reinforced through regular communication and training. Visit our training page for information on Creating a Positive and Empowering Workplace here.
Find more information for employers, here.
Conclusion
The digital environment has had a significant impact on the workplace, changing the way we communicate, collaborate, and do business. With the rise of technology and the internet, companies are now able to work faster and more efficiently than ever before. But alongside these benefits, the digital environment has also led to an increase in bullying behaviour in the workplace. Bullying behaviour in the workplace can take many forms, from verbal and physical abuse to online bullying through emails, text messages, and social media platforms.
The anonymity and distance provided by technology can make it easier for people to display bullying behaviour, as they can hide behind a screen and avoid accountability for their actions. Employers can prevent workplace bullying by establishing a clear policy against bullying behaviour and harassment, creating a safe and confidential reporting system, providing training and education, monitoring digital communication in the workplace, and encouraging a culture of respect and inclusion.
Establishing a partnership with BulliesOut can also be a beneficial step for companies in preventing and addressing workplace bullying. Some benefits of working with such a charity include:
- Access to expert advice and guidance: BulliesOut have a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with bullying behaviour and harassment in the workplace, and can provide guidance and support on how to create an effective policy, how to investigate and handle incidents, and how to support those affected by the behaviour.
- Employee support and education: We can provide support and education to employees on how to recognise and address bullying behaviour in the workplace, including how to support colleagues and how to hold those who display bullying behaviour accountable for their actions.
- Positive reputation: Working with BulliesOut can help to enhance the company’s reputation, showing that they take the issue of workplace bullying seriously, and are committed to creating a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.
- Access to additional resources and support: BulliesOut can provide additional resources such as information brochures, a counselling service and workshops to the employees.
Become a Corporate Partner: Since 2006, BulliesOut has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those affected by bullying behaviour. Through our innovative, interactive workshops and training programmes, we use our experience, energy and passion to focus on awareness, prevention, building empathy and positive peer relationships all of which are crucial in creating a nurturing environment in which young people and adults can thrive. Bullying behaviour is increasingly on the public agenda. Find out more here.
