{"id":2012,"date":"2024-11-18T17:41:08","date_gmt":"2024-11-18T17:41:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peopleworkingwellbc.ca\/?p=2012"},"modified":"2024-12-20T18:50:07","modified_gmt":"2024-12-20T18:50:07","slug":"recognizing-the-signs-early-indicators-of-bullying-in-the-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/peopleworkingwellbc.ca\/learning-hub\/all-sectors\/recognizing-the-signs-early-indicators-of-bullying-in-the-workplace\/","title":{"rendered":"Recognizing The Signs: Early Indicators Of Bullying In The Workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In the social services sector, creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for both staff and the clients we serve. To foster a culture of respect and inclusion, it is important to identify early indicators of bullying in the workplace.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Defining Bullying<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>
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Repeated<\/strong> and unwanted<\/strong> actions and practices directed at an individual that often involves power imbalance<\/strong> in the workplace. [1]<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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OR<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Actions that are known or reasonably known to cause humiliation or intimidation. [2]<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Exploring Predictors of Bullying in the Workplace<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>
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According to The Work Environment Hypothesis by Heinz Leymann (1990) which has been supported by much research, an organization with the following factors are likely to have bullying occur in the workplace: [3]<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Recognizing Early Indicators [5]<\/sup><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>
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Unsure if you\u2019re being bullied? Answer this questionnaire from Canadian Workplace Bullying Institute: https:\/\/instituteofworkplacebullyingresources.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Am-I-Being-Bullied-Self-Assessment-Tool-v01-2024.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Understanding Bullying as a Process<\/span> [6]<\/sup><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>
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Phase 1: Indirect Aggression<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>
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Signs:<\/strong> Subtle, indirect aggression that is difficult to recognize and evolves out of a dispute at times<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Symptoms:<\/strong> Confusing, increased anxiety, isolating, and impacts productivity<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Response:<\/strong> Report to your supervisor, communicate boundaries, and confide in trusted colleagues<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Phase 2: Direct Aggression<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>
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Signs: <\/strong>More direct negative baviours that include public humiliation and intimidation<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Symptoms:<\/strong> Intensified isolation, feelings of shame, depression, and impacts ability to focus thereby reducing productivity <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Response:<\/strong> Document incidents and report the behaviour to your employer<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Phase 3: Stigmatization <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>
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Signs:<\/strong> Social and professional isolation including exclusion from conversations, spread of rumors, lack of support, and unfair treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Symptoms:<\/strong> Fear of speaking up, isolation, feelings of shame, increased anxiety, feelings of self-doubt, sense of helplessness, and loneliness<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Response:<\/strong> Seek professional support, focus on self-care, and continue to document and report the behaviour<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Phase 4: Severe Trauma<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>
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Sign: <\/strong>Prolonged bullying<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Symptoms:<\/strong> Overwhelming anxiety, deep depression, intense shame, physical symptoms such as headaches, paranoia, and helplessness<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Response:<\/strong> Seek professional support, document and report to WSBC, and explore alternative options such as transferring to another program or seeking employment elsewhere<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Download a printer-friendly PDF<\/a> on Responding to Indirect Aggression to prevent escalation into Direct Aggression.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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If your employer has not taken reasonable steps to address the situation, call WorkSafeBC\u2019s Prevention Line at (604) 276-3100 (1-888-621-7233 toll free).<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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Let\u2019s Practice!<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>
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Put your knowledge to the test with our quick and fun interactive quiz!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>

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