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The consequences of workplace bullying may include the following, bearing in mind that many of these points may be as a result of other internal or external factors:
Consequences for Employers
Consequences for Employees
Workplace bullying can cause extensive health problems for employees exposed to this hazard, including physical and psychological illnesses and injuries. It can have detrimental effects and costs for the employer, as well as impacting on co-workers, clients, customers, business associates, family and friends. Bullying can disrupt work to the extent that action has to be taken to restore order and confidence. The implications are even more serious if bullied employees suffer ill health and stay away from the workplace.
The reaction of individual employees will vary according to the nature of the bullying. It is possible that employees who are bullied may experience some of the following effects:
Consequences for Employers
- Reduced efficiency, productivity and profitability;
- Increased absenteeism, sick leave and staff turnover;
- Poor morale, erosion of employee loyalty and commitment;
- Increased costs associated with recruitment and training;
- Increased workers’ compensation claims;
- Increased indirect costs such as management time, engaging mediators or counsellors;
- Adverse publicity and poor public image;
- An unsafe work environment and potential fines for breaches of the occupational health and safety legislation;
- Costs resulting from failure to meet legislative provisions including civil and criminal actions;
- Legal costs incurred defending a claim of workplace bullying;
- Vicarious liability and other associated employer liabilities;
- Potential increase to insurance and workers’ compensation premiums.
Consequences for Employees
Workplace bullying can cause extensive health problems for employees exposed to this hazard, including physical and psychological illnesses and injuries. It can have detrimental effects and costs for the employer, as well as impacting on co-workers, clients, customers, business associates, family and friends. Bullying can disrupt work to the extent that action has to be taken to restore order and confidence. The implications are even more serious if bullied employees suffer ill health and stay away from the workplace.
The reaction of individual employees will vary according to the nature of the bullying. It is possible that employees who are bullied may experience some of the following effects:
- Stress, anxiety or sleep disturbance;
- Panic attacks or impaired ability to make decisions;
- Incapacity to work, concentration problems, loss of self-confidence and self-esteem or reduced output and performance;
- Depression or a sense of isolation;
- Physical injury;
- Reduced quality of home and family life;
- Suicide.