Workplace bullying is a significant international phenomenon. In many instances, bullying can be accredited to workplace stressors such as overload, or where training is involved, undeveloped teaching skills. Workplace bullying can also be attributed to personal values issues such as racism or lack of empathy. One recent example of the latter is that at least one of three recent suicides (April 2019, Tauranga Hospital) is attributed to serious ongoing interpersonal issues.
To improve behaviour, we need to consider all potential causes. At the same time, we need to employ methods to develop the resilience of staff in the workplace: rifts or behaviours that are neglected or ‘dealt with’ by disciplinary proceedings can overall take a toll on workplace culture far in excess of issues contained early, or pre-empted. WoRD can help train staff to self- manage – the quality of everything we do in the workplace – and people’s lives – can depend on it.
A recent focus on increasing general workplace wellbeing has been embraced – encouraging work/life balance, exercise and mindfulness to help mitigate stressors and increase staff physical and mental health. Developing wellbeing is essential to help people and businesses thrive. However, issues around bullying require specialist tactics, and are a vital complement to any staff development management or workplace wellbeing programme.