Why People Bully

Recently, Karen had a conversation with Jane, a young teacher’s aide, who shared her distressing experience of leaving her previous industry due to workplace bullying. Her story highlighted the critical issue of workplace bullying, an issue that still persists and goes unchecked in many organisations. As a former CFO, Karen was appalled to hear about Jane’s ordeal, as it made her reflect on her own experiences. It’s time we address this destructive workplace mindset and behaviour.

Jane’s Story: Karen and her husband recently attended their grandson’s kindergarten’s grandparents’ day. Karen struck up a conversation with Jane, one of the teachers, who revealed that she had joined the education field after leaving her accounting career due to relentless bullying.

Despite her accounting degree, she couldn’t continue in her industry because of the toxic workplace culture. She had hoped for change when she got a female boss, thinking she could learn from her. However, the bullying and constant belittling was far worse that what she had received from former male bosses, and she lived in constant fear. It affected not only her health but also her personal life. Jane’s story is just one example of the pervasive issue of workplace bullying.

Karen’s Corporate career

During Karen’s corporate career, she witnessed workplace bullying, and also admits that she may have been guilty of some of these behaviour at times. Back then, there wasn’t the same level of awareness, nor were there policies and procedures in place to address such behaviour. However, times have changed, and it’s time for a shift.

This is why today; we’re starting a series of posts that delve into the topic of Workplace Bullying.

We want to understand the reasons why people engage in this behaviour, the outcomes from this toxic behaviour, so we can work together to stop it.

Below is our visual display of 12 reasons Why People Bully. Each of these behaviours is unjustifiable, as they harm both the victim and the bully.

Workplace bullying is a complex issue and bullies often have a combination of personal, social, and psychological factors contributing to their behaviour.

It’s essential to address these underlying issues and provide support to help individuals:

• become consciously aware of the reasons behind their actions
• recognise the mental, emotional and physical affect their behaviour is having on others
• plus, the mental, emotional and physical affect to them

We encourage you to engage with us in this critical discussion. Share your thoughts, experiences, and solutions to workplace bullying.

Let’s work together to create a safer, more respectful work environment for everyone.

If you or someone you know is currently engaging in these practices, please feel free to reach out as we are here to support you in finding your core reasons as to why you have become a workplace bully.

Let’s make a collective effort to put an end to workplace bullying and foster a more inclusive and empathetic workplace culture.

Together, we can create positive change. Stay tuned for more posts in our Workplace Bullying series.

Reach out if you’d like to know the learn more.

Until we meet again, please remember that you are Simply the BEST!

Karen and Lesley

#StopWorkplaceBullying #EndBullyingAtWork #BullyFreeWorkplace #WorkplaceRespect #BeyondLimtations