Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying can happen in any workplace. WorkSafe Victoria defines Workplace Bullying as' Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed at an employee or group of employees that creates a risk to health and safety.'. It includes behaving aggressively towards others, teasing or playing practical jokes, and unreasonable work demands. Many people are suffered from workplace bullying in their workplaces. But people are often hesitant to make a complaint. Why would they hesitate to make a complaint?

It is believed that there are many reasons people are unwilling to bring forward complaints. People are often afraid of the consequences after making complaints. They fear nothing will be done, making a worse situation by complaining, getting a bad reputation or retribution. One of the worst-case scenarios they can think of is being victimised after making complaints. How can it happen?

Victimisation means people are being treated badly or unfairly because they have made a complaint or helped someone to make a complaint. There are several factors that influence the risk of victimisation:

• Young age
• High-risk sexual behaviour
• Being less educated
• Being Female
• Heavy alcohol and drug use

Then, what are some ways organisations and individual managers can help people feel more comfortable making a claim? Managers can set up weekly one-on-ones between managers and subordinates. It can provide a certain time for employers to have a regular conversation with their manager and they feel more comfortable talking about their concerns at this time. Also, rewarding the criticism can encourage everybody to offer a solution as well as their personal complaints. Another way is to truly listen well to the employees. It is very important to set up a healthy work environment even apart from workplace bullying. By listening carefully to employees, people can feel more comfortable bringing out their thoughts and concerns they have in workplaces.