Today we have a guest blogger at The Employer Handbook. It’s Pam Johnson. Pam is an HR professional who obtained her degree from what she tells me is one of the Top 10 Best Online Masters in HR Degree Programs.
(Want to guest blog at The Employer Handbook? Email me).
When you think of bullying, you probably think it is a problem that effects only children. While bullying is more common among children, it is also a problem that more and more adults are dealing with. Unfortunately, age has nothing to do with bullying, and it is quickly becoming a problem that more and more people in the workplace are dealing with. If you are an employer who is looking for ways to stop the problem of bullying in the workplace, here are five helpful tips that can help you deal with this horrible issue.
- Be Aware. As an employer, it is your job to make sure that all your employees are doing what they need to be doing while they are in the workplace. Along with making sure everyone is present and doing their job, you must also be aware of the behaviors of your employees. If you want to cut down on the possibility of bullying in the workplace, you need to pay attention to the behaviors of your employees.
- Talk To Your Employees. Speaking with your employees about workplace bullying is a great way to deal with this issue. When you communicate to your employees the seriousness of this issue, they will be more aware of the consequences associated with workplace bullying. This in turn will help to cut down on the problem.
- Conduct Meetings. Since bullying in the workplace has become a more common problem, there are plenty of resources you can find about conducting workplace meetings that address this situation. Workplace bullying meetings can help inform all your employees about what constitutes workplace bullying, and what everyone can do to stop it.
- Open Door Policy. Putting an open door policy in place with your employees about workplace bullying can help cut down on this serious issue. Encourage your employees to tell you or other managers about bullying situations in the workplace. Tell your employees that if they feel bullied, they should come to you and share their concerns. When your employees know there is an open door policy when it comes to bullying in the workplace, it may help discourage potential bullies.
- Threaten Job Loss. Nobody wants to be without the security of a job. Because of this, threatening would be bullies with job loss can be a great way to deal with bullying in the workplace. The workplace is the place where people should feel safe, and terminating bullies is a great way to keep the office free from these troublesome people.
Unfortunately, bullying in the workplace is becoming a more common problem. Because of this, it is your job as an employer to make sure this problem stays out of your working environment. While bullying is a bothersome issue that is seen in the workplace, it can be avoided, or at least lessened, if you as an employer follow the above five listed helpful tips. By communicating with your employees, threatening termination, holding meetings, maintaining an open door policy, and being aware of what’s going on, you as an employer can help keep bullying from interfering with the safety of your employees and the success of your business.