OHIO DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

APRIL 2017 | HELPING AND SUPPORTING YOU TO LIVE WELL AND SERVE WELL... Bullying in the Bullying versus harassment workplace Though bullying and harassment both take place in the workplace, they are very different. Harassment is the Everyone is entitled to the basic right of human dignity illegal discrimination of a person’s protected class, such in the workplace. Yet, every day there are instances of as their gender, race, disability status, etc. Workplace workplace bullying. Bullying occurs when individuals or a bullying is not considered illegal; and it’s important to be group intimidate, shame, embarrass or undercut another clear about what bullying is and is not. An employer or employee, causing harm to the employee. This behavior boss can be tough, while still respecting the rights and can be a combination of aggressive acts over a period thoughts of others. Being firm does not equal bullying in of time; presenting a risk to the employee’s health, work the workplace. performance and safety. When people are given power, they can be tempted to Corporate bullying misuse it, making others feel helpless. Employers aren’t There are times when bullying is embedded and accepted the only ones who bully. Most workplace bullying is peer- in the workplace culture. This is known as institutional, to-peer rather than supervisor-to-employee. Coworkers, or corporate, bullying. In these instances, employers consultants and labor representatives also can intimidate; will have unrealistic expectations and deadlines for and sometimes a group of employees will target another employees. They might ignore employee complaints of in a behavior known as “mobbing.” Some examples of stress due to workload. Also, rewards or encouragement workplace bullying include: are given to bullying coworkers. This behavior is unacceptable and should be reported to human • Excessive criticism; resources, because when you fail to address the problem, • Blaming people without gathering facts; you might be contributing to it. • Being singled out in or excluded from group or Negative effects of bullying activities; Workplace bullying hurts the individual and the entire • Unfair deadlines or amounts of work; organization, and there can be negative physical, • Being the subject of humiliation; and emotional and social effects. Individuals might face increased sick days, changes in sleeping and eating Use of foul or offensive language • patterns, low self-esteem, and shouting. depression symptoms, and problems with finances and family life. The company as a whole also can experience negative side effects to bullying, such as a marred reputation, legal costs, low morale, staff changes, a loss of productivity, and replacement and training costs to bring in new staff.

Workplace bullying solutions What can you do to help solve and prevent bullying in your workplace? The following

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Addressing the needs of Ohio’s dedicated public servants and their families since 1984 ‘Bullying...’ continued from cover Conduct focus groups. Consider sending anonymous surveys or holding focus groups with your suggestions for the individual and the employer offer employees to gain information about potential bullying helpful tools to promote a safe working environment for in the workplace. Hearing others’ concerns often gives all: employees the courage to speak up about their own For the bullied individual: experiences. Check your handbook. Be aware of any policies Workplace bullying is an avoidable situation. Having against bullying in your employee manual or good standards in place can help eradicate or prevent handbook. There might be steps outlined for you to its occurrence, as well as provide a safe environment take should the need arise. for the workers and employers. If you or someone you Talk to your bully. If you feel comfortable, have know is dealing with the negative effects of workplace a conversation with the person bullying you. Let bullying, consider seeking help. Many employers have them know their behavior is unacceptable and human resources personnel or a recommended counselor unprofessional. This communication can be written or to assist. If additional support is needed, contact your verbal. It might be helpful to have a witness or third medical or mental health professional. Sources: www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Files/Bullying.pdf party with you, as the bully might deny their behavior. www.aarp.org/work/job-hunting/info-11-2013/handle-bullying-on-the-job.html Take notes. Keep a log detailing the offensive By © Amplified Life Media. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved. behaviors. Make special note of the times, dates, who was present, what was said and what was done to you. If you’re the target, be sure to keep accurate Manage your work stress records of your work (timesheets, work orders, etc.) to before it manages you defend yourself. Identify stress before it becomes a problem Seek help. If you’re unable to solve the problem with your peer, consider going to a higher-level employee, There are no easy answers for coping with job stress. The your supervisor or employer, or human resources key is managing your reaction to it. personnel for help. Once you’ve identified the areas that may be causing you For the employer or supervisor: stress, you can begin to problem-solve. Spend some time thinking about your ideal work situation. Write about the Make a policy. Send a clear message in your kind of job you want to have. Then, with this new insight, workplace by establishing a zero-tolerance policy for consider ways you may be able to make your reality look bullying. Handle offenders swiftly and by the pre- and feel more like your ideals. determined rules. You may be able to change some work conditions; others Raise awareness. Promote an anti-bullying you’ll probably have to cope with. Learning to manage campaign. People will feel more comfortable speaking your reaction to stressful situations can dramatically up if there’s an atmosphere of awareness and they improve the overall quality of your life. You may benefit know they won’t be punished for being honest. from speaking with a professional counselor, who can Establish a contact person. Designate a human help you identify areas that need changing, cope with resources person who is unbiased and independent stress and find a satisfying life/work balance. of the situation in question. Make sure he or she can Three ways to reduce the effects of stress: listen objectively to all employee concerns regarding bullying and connect people to proper resources if • Strive for a healthy balance between work life and they need counseling or support. personal life. If you’re a “workaholic,” work issues may tend to get blown out of proportion. If you build a healthy personal life with family and friends, you’ll be better able to put work situations in the proper perspective, and enjoy the love and support of those around you. If you’re spending too many hours at work, talk to your supervisor about how you can get work accomplished in a more reasonable amount of time, bringing better balance to your life. The more satisfying your personal life, the more productive you’ll be at work. continued on Page 3

Frontlinefocus | 2 ‘Manage work stress...’ continued from Page 2 • Eat well. Healthy meals and snacks during your work day are critical. When you eat poorly, you’re • Develop a positive, relaxed attitude. Yes, this is more likely to be impatient and tired, and have easier said than done. But most things of value difficulty concentrating. This will only increase your require hard work. If you’re an intense, serious stress level. person, it may help to take a short course in stress Breathe. A typical response to stress is shallow, management. Most techniques focus on your mental • rapid breathing. Use deep-breathing techniques to attitude and offer physical exercises that can help calm your mind and body. Focus on each inhale and you relax and adopt a positive outlook. exhale. • Rely on a support network of coworkers, family Stretch. Learn some simple desk exercises — they and friends. Even if your work environment is • can combat stress and sluggishness, helping you get not particularly conducive to making friends, go through the day. out of your way to build a support system of co- workers with whom you feel comfortable. Try to avoid complaining and gossiping. Instead, focus on working together to build a more supportive workplace. Whenever possible, make friendships with people in your own industry, and use them as “sounding boards” for problems and challenges. Finding a business mentor also can help you solve work problems that cause stress. Remember to rely on your family and friends to provide support during difficult times. If stress from work is overwhelming, reach out for support. Asking for help is never a sign of weakness or failure, especially in situations too difficult to handle alone. • Think positive. Use positive talk with yourself to What’s Stressing You Out at Work? help you succeed at an upcoming challenge. Say to Finding out the source of your stress is the first step in yourself “I can,” then set your mind to do it. If you coming up with solutions. Because most everyone will anticipate a stressful situation coming soon, think it encounter job stress, it’s important to identify situations through ahead of time and make plans how you will that create excessive stress and learn skills for coping with react to it. them. Stress often arises from the following areas: Outside of work Job tasks Do you have an excessive workload? Lack of challenging • Express your feelings. You can write your feelings work? Too little variety? down in a journal, or express your feelings in other ways such as dancing, talking with friends or family, Company culture painting or playing music. Have you noticed an overly aggressive management style? Poor communication of company policies? Lack of positive • Exercise. It can help you manage stress. Do what reinforcement? you like and do it almost every day. You may even be able to schedule exercise during your work lunch Personal relationships break. Do you experience bullying or harassment? Lack of support from co-workers? Little team spirit? • Slow down. Too many of us cram our days off work with constant chores and never stop to smell Career concerns the roses. Give yourself permission to sit on the Is lack of opportunity for advancement getting you down? couch and watch a little TV or lie in bed and read Is the future of your job uncertain? a book once in a while – or even take an afternoon Tips for getting through the “daily grind:” nap. • Have a sense of humor. Take time to share jokes At work with your friends or family, read the comics in the • Take regular breaks. Even a ten-minute walk newspaper, or watch a silly TV show or movie. around the block can help clear your head and Laughter really is a good medicine, even for stress. provide new perspective. By © liveandworkwell.com. All rights reserved.

Frontlinefocus | 3 Don’t expect assimilation – Cultural assimilation – merging all cultures into a one – is an outdated and inappropriate approach to diversity. It violates individual identity and rights, and it ignores the value that different cultures can bring to the workplace. Avoid thinking in terms of “us” and “them,” and don’t expect everyone to look, act or be the same. Be professional – Have zero tolerance for harassment in the workplace by avoiding offensive jokes, negative stereotyping, mocking, hostile acts, insensitive comments and anything that degrades or harms another because of his or her identity. Treat others as you want to be treated and respect your coworkers’ differences. Value diversity – Respecting diversity in the workplace isn’t simply avoiding problems. It also involves learning about the things that make us different, finding common ground, and valuing our different attributes. For instance, a multi-lingual coworker may be able to help you with a non-English speaking customer, or you may save time on a project when you learn a technique or approach from another culture. Don’t assume that differences are a Respecting diversity in detriment. the workplace Diversity brings an abundant supply of unique ideas, perspectives and creative solutions to problems. All There are many differences among people in a of which can contribute to a harmonious and healthy workplace: race, gender, culture, age, sexual orientation, workplace. religion, physical ability, education and more. In a perfect situation, every person is treated equally when By © liveandworkwell.com. All rights reserved. it comes to getting a job, advancing a career or being treated fairly in the workplace. In the U.S., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal to discriminate against individuals due Your employee assistance to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability. program offers confidential Beyond obeying this law, it also is necessary to accept, help for personal problems and respect and welcome the differences among individuals concerns. Concerned about a troubled family member who won’t get help? Feel tired and exhausted, but don’t know in the workplace to be productive and successful. if it’s burnout, loss of motivation, depression or all three? Workplace diversity is not a trend or a matter of “political Late for work too often? Has the use of alcohol or drugs correctness.” Our strength as a country, company or created a crisis you are facing right now? The bottom line, individuals depends on being aware of and sensitive to never wonder if your concern is appropriate to contact diversity. OEAP. So, if you’ve been putting off taking action to solve a serious issue that is weighing on you, give OEAP a call Here are some ways you can practice this respect for today. diversity in your workplace. Share Your Comments about Frontline Focus Be self-aware and open-minded – Notice how Your comments are important. Please share your your own cultural assumptions can cause you to comments about Frontline Focus via OEAP’s confidential misunderstand or misjudge another person, and most email address: [email protected]. Your comments may of all, avoid acting on these assumptions. Language, be published in a future edition of Frontline Focus. actions and gestures can mean different things in 800-221-6327/614-644-8545 ohio.gov/eap different cultures. For example, some cultures believe Andy Bensing, OEAP Benefits Manager eye contact is insulting or aggressive, while others believe avoiding eye contact signals dishonesty. Keep an open mind, ask your coworkers about their cultural norms, and apologize if you unintentionally offend someone.

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