Bullying
Bullying is a form of harassment that is often ignored in today’s workplaces. It used to be thought of as a playground problem but it has followed us into the workplace creating toxic environments and sick employees.
As adults, when we go to work, we are expected to know how to behave and how to behave towards our co-workers. Unfortunately the bullies from yesteryear never learned this on the playground and continue their inappropriate behaviour right into adulthood.
Bullies come in all forms, shapes, sizes, colours, genders, and ages. There is no way to distinguish a bully from anyone else except by their behaviour and even then it is difficult because they are masters at putting on the required façade in front of witnesses and superiors. But as soon as those witnesses are gone, watch out!
Don’t be fooled for one minute that a bully doesn’t know what they are doing. They know and they will do anything to keep their secret, including getting rid of anyone who is willing to shed light on their behaviour. The bully’s worst fear is to be exposed for what they truly are.
In most cases you are not the bully’s first victim. There has been a whole line of victims before you and there will be another line of victims after you.
Most targets end their pain by leaving the workplace. Even companies with policies in place to address respect issues find that they are ill equipped to handle a bullying situation and the resulting costs that a toxic environment creates.
Workplace bullying can be prevented through awareness and training.
The “Workplace Bullying Prevention” program developed by Firm Foundations is designed to be interactive and encourage open discussion around the subject.
Participants will learn:
- What bullying is
- Why someone is bullied
- The effects of bullying on the workplace
- How bullying effects people’s health
- What they can do to protect themselves
Participants will be able to recognize bullying behaviour and be proactive against it. They will learn how to stand up for themselves and others ensuring bullying is stopped and the workplace continues to be a productive, healthy environment.
Each session will conclude with a quiz which will test for understanding of the course material. This quiz will be review in class to ensure all participants have full understanding before course completion.
Student and Parent Anti-bullying programs also available.
