Workplace Cyberbullying: Employee Harassment in the Digital Age
In our culture, it can be easy to fall into a mindset that associates “bullying” with schoolchildren. Bullies pull pigtails, shoot spitballs and terrorize the playground. Bullying, however, is a behavior applicable to any age, and can also have harmful effects on adults. Health issues, psychological concerns and diminished productivity all result from an adult bullying situation, damaging both the victim and his or her friends and colleagues.
Bullying can be especially destructive in the workplace, as victims are often forced to interact with their harassers. In addition, while harassment can occur both from the top down and the bottom up, the most common type of workplace bullying is actually lateral, peer-to-peer harassment. Moreover, a new threat has emerged as well, one that is challenging to fight and carries potential for significant hurt: Cyberbullying.
Inadmissible as simply “business culture,” cyberbullying is disruptive and damaging to workplace relationships, productivity and an organization’s bottom line. It’s up to business leaders to use whatever resources are available, including an EAP, to put an end to cyberbullying in the workplace and create a safe, respectful environment where employees at all levels can produce their best work.