Bully blues

New guidance for NHS Employers will help trusts tackle bullying, and not a minute too soon. Alexis Nolan reports
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More information

NHS Employers bullying guidance

Healthcare Commission 2005 staff survey

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23rd February 2006
Cultural Revolution

Tackling bullying in the workplace isn't just about disciplining the culprits. Alison Moore reports. Allegations of bullying and harassment are demoralizing for NHS bodies and can result in bad publicity and damaged reputations.
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Figures on bullying in NHS organisations can be found in the latest NHS Staff Survey from the Healthcare Commission:
Download Q 28 - 31- Harassment, bullying and violence [PDF]
Download full report

Union Amicus launched Europe ’s largest anti-bullying project in October, backed with £1m funding from the Department of Trade and Industry. The project aims to eradicate bullying and create a culture of respect in the workplace. Details on the project principles, business case and ways to be involved can be found on the following PDFs:

Project principles (35 KB, PDF)
The business case (53 KB, PDF)
Ways to be involved (29 KB, PDF)]

Top tips for beating the bullies

Amicus Anti-Bullying Coordinator Mandy Telford has put together seven top tips on beating the bully in the workplace.

Respect yourself
As soon as you encounter behaviour which is not acceptable to you, put an immediate end to it. If you allow anyone to make inappropriate comments on more than one occasion you set a dangerous precedent and it becomes more difficult to stop.

Confront the bully
The office bully thrives off the fact that you are too scared to confront them. Perhaps a small word in a public place may actually put an end to your workplace nightmare? 

Keep a diary
As soon as you are on the receiving end of intimidating behaviour, make a diary to record all of the details - they could become evidence in the long run. You can also keep e-mails and letters, and note who else is present - they could act as a witness.

Don't miss out
Just because one person in the office is being unpleasant make sure it does not jeopardize your relationship with other colleagues by refusing to go out for lunch or after work drinks. Failing to do so will isolate you. 

Speak to your manager or a senior colleague
It is rare for a bully to pick on just one person in the office. Arrange a meeting with your Manager/ or another senior colleague if your manager is the problem, to see if the bully has a track record within the company - they may already be on their way out. 

Get support
Being a member of a trade union is very important throughout this process. They can provide the support and expertise in this kind of situation. As well as having them onside to deal with the technical legal process their holistic approach can point you in the right direction of getting all the support you need for what is often an emotionally draining process.

Don't let the bully drag you down
Make sure that you have things to look forward to outside work, like evening classes, going to the gym, seeing your friends etc, as your confidence will receive a much needed boost.
www.dignityatwork.org