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11 November 2006 - National Ban Bullying at
Work Day Highlights Link to Stress
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The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) National Ban Bullying at Work Day,
which took place on the 7 November 2006, highlighted the need for employers to
review their procedures on how to tackle bullying in the workplace as it can
contribute greatly to workplace stress, not only for the victim of bullying, but
also to the onlooker.
Almost half a million people within the UK experience the stress of
work-related illness through bullying, costing employers a massive 80 million in
lost working days with lost revenue reaching £2bn every year.
Speaking of the National Bullying at Work Day, Chris Rowe, Head of HSE's
Stress Priority Programme, said:
"National Ban Bullying at Work Day is an opportunity for employers to
review whether they are doing enough to secure the well being of their employees
and the effective performance of their business.
"HSE's Management Standards for Work-Related Stress represent a widely
adopted, practical and usable approach to taking the necessary steps to manage
stress and improve well-being in the workplace.
"It is important that we encourage dialogue between employers and
employees and engage them in finding a way to manage this growing problem."
Commenting on his research at Lancaster University, Psychology Professor Cary
Cooper said:
"A large scale national research found that bullying doesn't just affect
the people who experience it first hand, but the people who witness it too.
"It lowers morale in the office and in some cases can lead to an increase
in time taken in days off work for stress-related problems.
"Moreover it can also impact on other areas of life including
relationships and family life. Employers have tools available to
address bullying in the workplace.
"The HSE's Stress Management Standards can be implemented in the workplace
to make a difference to Britain's 28 million strong workforce."
Further details on Management Standards for work related stress can be
accessed from the HSE Webpage by clicking the following:
HSE - Stress Management Standards
Our own HSfB has lots of information and guidance on bullying/stress in the
workplace, which can be accessed from our main webpage by clicking the
following:
Health and Safety For Beginners
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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