Workplace bullying is a pervasive issue, extending its harmful effects beyond the direct targets to those who witness such behaviour. Witnesses, often overlooked in discussions about workplace bullying, can suffer significant psychological and emotional distress. Understanding and addressing the impact on these silent sufferers is crucial for creating a healthier work environment.
Understanding the Witness Experience
Workplace bullying involves repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or a group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety. Witnesses to bullying observe these harmful behaviours, which can include intimidation, social exclusion, spreading rumours, and unfair criticism. This exposure can lead to a range of negative outcomes, even if the witnesses are not the direct targets.
The Ripple Effect: Psychological and Emotional Impact
When employees witness bullying, they can experience a phenomenon known as "victim by proxy". This occurs when the distress and anxiety associated with observing bullying impact the witness's mental health (Sprigg et al., 2019). The psychological and emotional toll can manifest in various ways:
Increased Anxiety and Stress: Witnessing bullying can create a stressful and anxiety-inducing work environment. Witnesses may constantly worry about becoming the next target, leading to chronic stress and anxiety.
Decreased Job Satisfaction and Commitment: Observing bullying can lead to dissatisfaction with the workplace. Witnesses may feel disillusioned with their organisation, resulting in decreased job satisfaction and commitment. This can increase turnover rates as employees seek a safer and more supportive work environment.
Cognitive Dissonance and Emotional Distress: Witnesses may experience cognitive dissonance, where their values and beliefs about treating others with respect conflict with their inability to intervene in bullying situations. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and helplessness, further affecting their mental health and self-esteem.
Impact on Social Relationships: Witnessing bullying can strain social relationships within the workplace. Witnesses may feel compelled to choose sides or may distance themselves from colleagues to avoid being associated with the bullying behaviour, leading to social isolation and a breakdown in workplace cohesion.
Long-Term Psychological Effects: Over time, the stress of witnessing bullying can lead to more severe psychological issues, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The cumulative effect of prolonged exposure to a toxic work environment can have lasting impacts on witnesses' mental health.
Addressing the Impact on Witnesses
Given the significant impact of workplace bullying on witnesses, it is crucial for organisations to adopt strategies that address this issue comprehensively. Here are some key approaches:
Foster a Supportive Work Environment: Creating a positive workplace culture that promotes respect, inclusivity, and open communication can help mitigate the impact of bullying on witnesses. Encourage employees to speak up against bullying and support one another.
Provide Training and Education: Educate employees and managers about the signs of bullying and its impact on witnesses. Training should include strategies for safely intervening in bullying and supporting the affected.
Implement Bystander Intervention Programs: Encourage bystander intervention by providing clear guidelines and support for employees who witness bullying. Empowering witnesses to take action can help prevent the escalation of bullying and reduce its negative impact.
Offer Support Services: Provide access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counselling, and other support services for witnesses of bullying. Ensuring that witnesses have confidential and easily accessible resources can help them cope with the emotional and psychological distress they may experience.
Conduct Thorough Investigations: Take all reports of bullying seriously and conduct prompt, thorough investigations. Ensure that witnesses feel safe to come forward and that their concerns are addressed appropriately. Maintain transparency throughout the investigation process to build trust and credibility.
Regularly Monitor Workplace Culture: Continuously assess the workplace environment to identify potential issues related to bullying. Use surveys, feedback mechanisms, and regular check-ins to gauge employee sentiment and address concerns proactively.
At RiskWise Consulting, we specialise in investigating workplace bullying and supporting organisations in creating safe and respectful workplaces. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to promoting a positive work culture and mitigating the impact of bullying on all employees, including witnesses. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your organisation address workplace bullying and support your employees' well-being.
Author: RiskWise Director Matt Truelove is a highly experienced investigator and advisor with over 16 years of experience leading complex investigations. He served as a Detective in the NSW Police Force and later as a Senior Investigator in the Australian Public Service. Following his public sector career, Matt dedicated his skills to conducting workplace investigations and supporting organisations in cultivating positive and inclusive work environments.
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