Workplace bullying targeted
Helpline and online programme devised to help combat workplace bullying, thought to affect half the working population
16 September 2003
Workplace bullying is thought to affect about half of the working population.
A helpline has been launched to address the growing problem of workplace bullying in New Zealand.
Bullying is defined as a pattern of psychological undermining of a person, and is often disguised as strong leadership.
Author of the book "Workplace Bullying," Andrea Needham, says the target tends to be a high performer.
She says examples include nitpicking for no reason, exclusion from meetings, and being blamed unjustly.
Ms Needham says the end result is absenteeism, high staff turnover, and reduced staff performance.
She says that under the recent amendment to the Health and Safety in Employment Act, employers are required to identify the significant health and safety hazards that exist in their organisation and put in place procedures for dealing with them. Workplace bullying is considered one such hazard.
The number for the bullying helpline is 0800 0 BULLY. It offers advice to organisations seeking to provide bully-free workplace environments and advice to the bullies themselves.
There is also an online programme comprising a computerised plan for managing stress related to issues in the workplace and a resource kit for employees to assess their health and resilience with practical steps for solutions.
© 2009 NZCity, IRN
