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Changing How We Relate to Each Other in the Face of Business

Health Implications of Workplace Bullying

The toll of work place bullying is not always easy to calculate. There are deeper issues than just legal implications; employee health. Those targeted take their worries and insecurities home with them, finding it difficult to escape the feelings of harassment. The University of California conducted research based on two surveys showing that worrying about the security of your job leads to mental distress. The first survey was conducted between 1986 to 1989, and the second from 1995 to 2005. A reoccurring theme from these surveys concluded ”Dramatic changes in the U.S. labor market have weakened bonds between employers and employees and fueled perceptions of job insecurities.” The research also implies that stressing about losing your job can actually result in more health issues than actually losing your job

In the survey, participants rated their own physical and mental health. What was found is people who persistently had concerns about losing their jobs reported significantly diminishment of health. Many were more depressed than those who had actually lost and regained their jobs. Ongoing ambiguity about the future brings on the inability to take action unless the feared event actually happens. The lack of institutionalized support only increases these feelings.

Of course many things can cause stress and everyone is affected differently. Some common causes of stress are the loss of a loved one, the economy, job insecurity, and disagreements on important personal issues. This unhealthy work environments and workplace bullying can lead to emotional and psychological duress (PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety disorders, confusion, low self esteem, etc) and physical illness (rashes, colds, ulcers, achy muscles, high blood pressure, heart attacks, etc). Many find this hard to believe, but according to the American Institute of Stress, 75 to 90 percent of visits to primary care physicians are linked to stress. The AMA goes as far as stating 75% of all hospital stays are the direct result of stress. This is costing the American economy billions of dollars each year in sick days. Increased communication skills, decisive leadership and the ability to deal with difficult people are very much part of maintaining a health workplace.

Since the average worker spends a third of his day at work, Designed Thinking has put great emphasis in assisting corporations build more effective environments. Considerations placed on creating a healthy work environment begin with policies supporting a functional workplace. Educating workers is helpful, as long as policy exists to make the work environment conducive to good employees, meaning there is a method of weeding out disruptive or bullying employees. Today’s business cannot survive without it.

Last Update: July 18, 2011

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