Survey reveals bullying an issue for 70 % of employees

HR departments may want to adjust their workplace bullying strategies as a survey has revealed that it is an issue for 70 per cent of employees.

The survey questioned close to 1,000 employees on the subject and found that 34 per cent were reluctant to make a stand and were concerned about the repercussions of reporting such behaviour.

According to the respondents, personal clashes were cited as the main reason for bullying with 39 per cent suggesting that was the catalyst.

Meanwhile, 31 per cent said the behaviour had been as a result of a person attempting to be funny, and two per cent cited disability as the reason for bullying.

Get our essential weekday HR news and updates. Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Work Email Keep up with the latest in HR... This field is hidden when viewing the form Optin_form This field is hidden when viewing the form Optin_date Year Month Day This field is hidden when viewing the form Batch_Newsletter

Commenting on the situation, Lisette Howlett, managing director of HireScores.com, said: “Situations that make members of staff feel segregated or uncomfortable, whether through direct bullying or inappropriate comments must be picked up on and dealt with immediately but sensitively by management.”

The government advises that employees who are suffering at the hands of bullies can make an official complaint by following their employer’s grievance procedure.