Transcript Bullying in the workplace

Nursing Assistant Monthly
Bullying in the workplace
November 2012
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
What is bullying?
 Bullying is unwanted, hurtful behavior
 Bullying can be:
– physical or verbal
– obvious or subtle
 Horizontal bullying occurs when the parties are at the same level of power
within a group or organization
November 2012
Bullying in the workplace
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
What is a relational aggression?
 A form of bullying
 A style of interacting
– It involves a subtle form of aggression
– More common in female relationships than in male relationships
– It is a way of exerting subtle power over another person
– The aggressor is trying to feel better by putting down the other person
– Involves emotional pain for both the aggressor and victim
November 2012
Bullying in the workplace
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Why talk about bullying?
 Everyone is involved; everyone suffers
– Aggressor
– Victim
– Bystanders
 Resident/patient care suffers!
November 2012
Bullying in the workplace
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
How can resident care suffer?
 Limits valuable and necessary communication between staff
 Distracts staff from focus on their job as caregivers
 Reduces professionalism in the facility
 Some staff may even decide to leave their jobs
November 2012
Bullying in the workplace
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Bystanders
 Witnesses to bullying or relational aggression
– Experience stress
– Afraid to become involved, might become a target
 Witnesses have an important role
– Find a way to support the victim
– Report persistent problems to supervisor
– Get involved in efforts to improve staff communication
November 2012
Bullying in the workplace
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
If you are a victim
 If you are the victim of bullying
– Take some time to think it through
– Ask yourself honestly if you are contributing to the situation or conflict in any way
– When you are calm, consider meeting with the person
– Keep notes of all incidents, meetings
– Report any persistent problems to your supervisor
– Every situation is different—above all, stay safe
November 2012
Bullying in the workplace
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Strategies to make it better
 If bullying happens in your workplace
– Everyone can be part of the solution
– All staff need to learn better communication
– All staff need to learn conflict resolution strategies
– Talk to your supervisor—get involved
• Suggest a project or campaign (not just one inservice)
• Your reward? A more supportive and positive work environment!
November 2012
Bullying in the workplace
Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.