Bullying in the workplace: a 10 point survival guide

1. Make an appointment with your doctor and tell him / her what is happening to you at work.
2. Follow medical instructions and get signed off if necessary.
3. If counselling is available at work make an early appointment to talk through your experience.
4. If no workplace counselling is available then check to see if your medical practice has a counselling service. If not, then find a service in your area.
5. Make a conscious effort to eat a well balanced diet.
6. Learn to relax.
7. Maintain contact with friends outside work. You will need a good listener.
8. Make time to do the things you enjoy outside work. Remember that your work life balance is extremely important.
9. Give yourself treats and keep your sense of humour.
10. Get in touch with The Andrea Adams Trust or someone who can advise and support you.

The Andrea Adams Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to tackling workplace bullying. The Trust was set up 10 years ago in memory of Andrea Adams, the journalist whose work first began to highlight the issue in the UK. The Trust works to reduce the incidence of workplace bullying by promoting a wider understanding of the issue and by providing a professional source of information, consultancy advice and help. The Trust aims to help employees who have experienced the effects of bullying at work by giving immediate and practical support. It also aims to help employers who wish to build healthy corporate cultures, in which the bully will not thrive, by offering access to specialist training and consultancy advice. The Trust also runs a national awareness event; ‘Ban Bullying at Work Day’ on November 7th every year. To find out how to get involved go to www.banbullyingatwork.com

You can contact The Andrea Adams Trust at www.andreaadamstrust.org. For more information, please visit www.banbullyingatwork.com.

It is estimated that at least 25% of all employees will experience bullying at some time during their working lives and there is no doubt of the misery caused by it.

The results of The Trusts own 5 year research project with Personnel Today revealed that 43% of people feel that they have been bullied by their immediate supervisor and 22% felt that they had been bullied by a manager in the company. There is a fine line that divides strong management from bullying and that line is crossed when there is a purposeful malicious intent, or a misuse of power or position, to intimidate in a way which leaves someone feeling very hurt, vulnerable, isolated, angry and totally helpless.

The most important thing to remember is that no matter your job, every employee has the right to dignity at work and your employer owes you a duty of care to protect your physical and your mental health whilst you are at work. If you or anyone you know is suffering from bullying at work, there are things you can do to stop it. The Andrea Adams Trust runs a national Helpline for victims of workplace bullying. The lines are open 10-4 Monday –Friday and a number of trained operators are on hand to take your call and guide you through your situation.

Phone us on 01273 704900 or visit our website for a wealth of information at www.andreaadamstrust.org