Office bullies are bad for business, says IPD

Press release: Monday 19 May 1997

Office bullies are bad for business because their victims are often too stressed to do their jobs properly and may even be too frightened to come to work, the Institute of Personnel and Development (IPD) tells employers in new guidelines on harassment at work.

Key facts on harassment at work, which is released today (Monday 19 May 1997), warns that harassment "extracts a high price from employees and employers alike" and that "it can lead to under-performance at work". It says bullies may cause "illness, absenteeism, an apparent lack of commitment, poor performance, and resignation" and encourages employers to take a stand against 'intimidating behaviour' in the work place.

An IPD survey, which was conducted last year, found that one in eight people have been bullied at work in the last five years. Most victims believed that the bully couldn't cope with their own job, felt jealous or resentful, or was under pressure to meet deadlines.

Explaining how to spot bullying behaviour, Dianah Worman, IPD policy adviser and author of the fact sheet says that employers should look out for emotional as well as physical violence. "Harassment and bullying can range from extremes such as violence, to less obvious forms such as ignoring someone." She also highlights behaviour such as coercion for sexual favours, pressure to participate in political or religious groups, and pestering or stalking, saying that "any persistent behaviour which a person finds intimidating, upsetting, embarrassing, humiliating or offensive should be investigated."

Worman believes that companies should aim to develop a culture where everyone knows that harassment is unacceptable and where people feel confident enough to complain about bullying without worrying about making the situation worse. "To be treated with respect at work is everyone's right. It also makes good business sense," she says.

Key facts on harassment at work sets out the forms and grounds of harassment at work and outlines how harassment affects people and organisations. It also examines the legal implications if employers allow harassment to take place and gives guidance about the steps to eliminate harassment and what policies are needed.

Information note: Key facts on harassment at work is available free from the Communications Department at the IPD (address below) on receipt of an A4 stamped addressed envelope.

Press enquiries: Memuna Forna
Institute of Personnel and Development
IPD House, Camp Road, London SW9 4UX

Tel: 0181 263 3251 Fax: 0181 263 3244

The IPD has over 80,000 members and is the world's largest professional institute for those involved in the management and development of people.

Further IPD press releases are available on the IPD web site

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