The Silent Epidemic
THOSE WHO CAN,DO,THOSE WHO CANT BULLY
TIM FIELD.
Morbidity patterns from general practice worldwide highlight the high prevelence of mental health problems,the commonesy being depression,anxiety, and sleep disturbance. Many of the sufferers admit to stress at work,and some of them are casualties of workplace bullying,defined as persistent,offensive, abusive,intimidating,malicious,or insulting behaviour,abuse of power,or unfair penal sactions.
These make the recipient feel upset,threatened,humiliated,or vunerable,undermine their self confidence and may cause them to suffer stress.
Rayner and Hoelt describe five categories of bullying behaviour-threats to professional status,threats to personal standing, isolation ,overwork and destablisisation.
A deadly combination of economic rationalism, increasing competition,and the current fashion for tough,dynamic, “macho” management styles have created a culture in which bullying can thrive,producing “toxic” workplaces.Such workplaces perpetuate dysfunction,fear,shame,and embarrassment,intimidating those who dare to speak out and nurturing a silent epidemic.
Various studies point to an emerging global phenomenon with a growing evidence base particularly from Scandinavia where Sweden and Norway are the only European countries with legislation specific to bullying
Workplace bullying has been estimated to affect up to 50% of the United Kingdoms workplace at some time in their working lives with annual prevalences of up to 38%.and is becoming increasingly identified as a major occupational stressor. In the United Kingdom costs have been estimated at £2-30bn per annum,although research indicates figures closer to the lower end of the range.Â